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Spinoza on Reason Michael Lebuffe (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago)

Spinoza on Reason By Michael Lebuffe (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago)

Summary

Michael LeBuffe explains claims about reason in Spinoza's metaphysics, theory of mind, ethics, and politics. He emphasizes the extent to which different claims build upon one another so contribute to the systematic coherence of Spinoza's philosophy.

Spinoza on Reason Summary

Spinoza on Reason by Michael Lebuffe (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago)

In his work on metaphysics, Spinoza associates reasons with causes or explanations. He contends that there is a reason for whatever exists and whatever does not exist. In his account of the human mind, Spinoza makes reason a peculiarly powerful kind of idea and the only source of our knowledge of objects in experience. In his moral theory, Spinoza introduces dictates of reason, which are action-guiding prescriptions. In politics, Spinoza suggests that reason, with religion, motivates cooperation in society. Reason shapes Spinoza's philosophy, and central debates about Spinoza-including his place in the history of philosophy and in the European Enlightenment-turn upon our understanding of these claims. Spinoza on Reason starts with striking claims in each of these areas, which Michael LeBuffe draws from Spinoza's two great works, the Ethics and the Theological Political Treatise. The book takes each characterization of reason on its own terms, explaining the claims and their historical context. While acknowledging the striking variety of reason's roles, LeBuffe emphasizes the extent to which these different doctrines build upon one another. The result is a rich understanding of the meaning and function of each claim and, in the book's conclusion, an overview of the contribution of reason to the systematic coherence of Spinoza's philosophy.

Spinoza on Reason Reviews

LeBuffe presents his claims in a very lucid and open manner, and I think it is important to have these views on the table as part of the scholarly discourse on Spinoza. The main topic of the book - Spinoza's concept/s of reason - is highly important and very timely (given the huge interest in Spinoza and the Principle of Sufficient Reason). This is a book that had to be written. * Yitzhak Melamed, Johns Hopkins University *
This is a challenging and extremely useful monograph on the varying notions of reason in Spinoza's philosophy. It will be a very welcome contribution to scholarship on Spinoza. * Michael Della Rocca, Yale University *

About Michael Lebuffe (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago)

Michael LeBuffe is Professor and Baier Chair in Early Modern Philosophy at the University of Otago. He is the author of From Bondage to Freedom: Spinoza on Human Excellence (OUP 2010).

Table of Contents

Abbreviations Preface Introduction Chapter One: Reason in the Metaphysics of Finite Individuals Chapter Two: Reason as an Idea Chapter Three: Practical Reason Chapter Four: Reason and Miracles Conclusion Bibliography

Additional information

GOR013498482
9780190845803
0190845805
Spinoza on Reason by Michael Lebuffe (Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Philosophy, University of Otago)
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Oxford University Press Inc
20171102
240
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Spinoza on Reason