All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare
-- Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677)
To familarize students with the philosophical writings of Baruch Spinoza, to sharpen skills in the analysis of arguments, to interpret classical authorsin the best tradition of the the history of philosophy.
To familarize students with the philosophical writings of Baruch Spinoza, to sharpen skills in the analysis of arguments, to interpret classical authors in the best tradition of the the history of philosophy.
1. We will be reading the following books by Spinoza: the Improvement of the Understanding, the Ethics, and the Theological Political Treatise. The class will be reading the translations by Samuel Shirley, but you are welcome to read the translation by Edwin Curley. The Shirley translations are backordered in the bookstore. You can go online and order them that way. Please note that the first two works are sold in one volume by Hackett publishers.
All these works are available on the web for free in older translations. You can use these until you get the better ones.
As always, I like to point out Jonathan Bennett's modern version of the Ethics
2. Jonathan Bennett, A Study of Spinoza's "Ethics". Available in the book store.
3. Another book on Spinoza, either by Allison, Hampshire, Steinberg, or Nadler. I will send you Nadler's books
For a good introduction to the Ethics, please download this zipped collection of files here.
Written Requirements
Several short assignments that involve reading the text closely (30%) a research papers on a topic of your choice (40%), and a final take-home examination (30%).
I take attendance. It is important for you to come to class, especially since we only meet once a week.
New! A Plain Syllabus Suitable for Framing
In case you haven't figured out to use the Units and Lectures link, download thisContact Information and Office Hours
Charles H. Manekin 301-405-4253 manekinc@umd.edu
Monday and Wednesday, 1-2 pm or by appointment.
Email is the preferred way to reach me.