Book 3: Chapter 10, Spinoza Summary and Analysis

Spinoza (1634-77) was one of the most ethical philosophers. He was an atheist and became excommunicated as a Jew while also rejected by Christians. His family settled in Holland escaping from the Inquisition from Spain. He lived in Amsterdam and then Hague, supporting himself through polishing lenses. Indifferent both to money and the Dutch government, he adhered only to his theological opinions. He died of phthisis at the age of forty three.

His work "the Ethics" was published after his death. The Tractatus Theologico-Politicus contained biblical criticism and political theory while the Tractatus Politicus dealt only with political theory. Spinoza anticipated modern views and interpreted the Scriptures through assigning them with liberal theology.

He adhered to similar views to that of Hobbes in his political theory, opposing rebellion, but thought that not all rights should be sacrificed...