Spinoza's Ethics » (New Edition)

Continuum Reader's Guides are clear, concise and accessible introductions to classic works of philosophy. Each book explores the major themes, historical and philosophical context and key passages of a major philosophical text, guiding the reader toward a thorough understanding of often demanding material. Ideal for undergraduate students, the guides provide an essential resource for anyone who needs to get to grips with a philosophical text.

The Ethics is one of the undisputed masterworks of early modern philosophy. In this single volume Spinoza offers the reader an unorthodox account of God, a novel version of the mind-body relation, a systematic theory of the emotions and a detailed prescription for human virtue and blessedness. Too controversial to be published during his lifetime, it was surreptitiously printed by Spinoza's friends after his death. This introduction to the text is the ideal companion to study, offering guidance on: Philosophical and historical context, Key themes, Reading the text, Reception and influence, Further reading.

About the Author:
J. Thomas Cook is Professor of Philosophy at Rollins College, Florida, USA

Acknowledgements     vii
Preface     viii
Spinoza and the Ethics: background and context     1
Main themes and influences     8
Reading the text     15
On God
On the Nature and Origin of the Mind
On the Origin and Nature of the Affects
Of Human Bondage, or the Power of the Emotions
On the Power of the Intellect, or On Human Freedom
The influence of the Ethics     151
Notes for further reading     163
Index     167