Spinoza Unravelled

Michah and Clare begin reading Part I of Spinoza’s Ethics, “On God”, with its eight definitions and seven axioms. Why does Spinoza begin this way, and what makes a definition true? From Euclid’s geometry to a letter about the Temple of Solomon, they explore the foundations of Spinoza’s philosophy and how we might approach a work that challenges our understanding of reality.

Ethics · Part I, “On God” · Definitions 1-8 and Axioms 1-7

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Before diving into Spinoza’s Ethics, Michah and Clare explain what the book sets out to do, how its five parts fit together, and what to expect from its definitions, proofs and scholia.

Exclusive podcast offer: buy the edition used in the podcast, A Spinoza Reader, edited by Edwin Curley, directly from Princeton University Press and use code SPINOZA (all caps) for 40% off.

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Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s practical advice about pleasure, money and living among others. How can we enjoy life and fit into our communities without losing sight of what matters most? Bringing this first series to a close, they reflect on the personal story Spinoza has told us, what it reveals about his pursuit of joy, and the different starting point that awaits us in the Ethics.

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §17, the second and third rules of living, with reflections on §1–17.

Next time, Michah and Clare begin a new series exploring Spinoza’s Ethics.

Read along with A Spinoza Reader, edited by Edwin Curley. Order directly from Princeton University Press and enter SPINOZA (all caps) for the podcast’s exclusive 40% discount. View the book at Princeton University Press ↗

Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s plans for a society that helps more people flourish. Scientific knowledge, education, health and technology all have a part to play, but first we need to heal the intellect. The discussion leads to his first practical rule of living: speak in ways that ordinary people can understand. What does this tell us about how to read Spinoza himself?

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect §14–17, through the first rule of living

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Michah and Clare explore a turning point in Spinoza’s Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect. Brief experiences of freedom begin to loosen the hold of wealth, honour and pleasure, allowing Spinoza to see these familiar pursuits in a new light. The discussion leads to his account of the highest good: enjoying knowledge of our union with the whole of nature, and sharing that joy with others.

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §10-13

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Michah and Clare explore Spinoza’s image of philosophy as a remedy, debate what his account of attachment means for human relationships, and confront the gap between understanding a better life and being able to live it.

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §7–10

Michah and Clare examine approval, competition and the difference between an unreliable good and a lasting good we may not yet know how to attain.

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §4–6

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Michah and Clare begin with Spinoza’s account of turning towards philosophy, exploring fear, the pull of wealth, honour and sense pleasure, and the risk of seeking a different way to live.

Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect · §1–3

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View the book at Princeton University Press ↗