Ethics / Edition 1

by Spinoza, G. H. R. Parkinson

Overview

The Oxford Philosophical Texts series consists of truly practical and accessible guides to major philosophical texts in the history of philosophy from the ancient world up to modern times. Each book opens with a comprehensive introduction by a leading specialist which covers the philosopher's life, work, and influence. Endnotes, a full bibliography, guides to further reading, and an index are also included. The series aims to build a definitive corpus of key texts in the Western philosophical tradition, forming a reliable and enduring resource for students and teachers alike.
One of the classical texts of philosophy, Spinoza's Ethics is also one of the most difficult to understand. It discusses the nature of human beings, the way in which a rational person might live, the nature of God, and true freedom and how it can be attained. This volume features a new, lucid translation of Ethics enhanced by a comprehensive guide to Spinoza's work. An extensive introduction includes a short biography of Spinoza; help in understanding the form of Spinoza's writing and his own particular use of definitions; an introduction to the philosophy of Ethics; and a summary of Ethics. Further aids include a glossary of terms, notes to the text, and notes to the translation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198752141
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	08/10/2000
Series:	Oxford Philosophical Texts Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 6.10(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Part 1: Introductory Material
How to Use This Book
List of Abbreviations
Editor's Introduction
1. Life and Works
2. 'Demonstrated in Geometrical Order'
3. The Starting-Points of Ethics: Axioms, Postulates, and Definitions
4. Substance and Attributes
5. The Modes of Extension
6. The Modes of Thought
7. Causation and Necessity
8. Truth and the Kinds of Knowledge
9. Conatus
10. The Emotions
11. The Moral Philosophy of the Ethics
12. The Influence of the Ethics
Selected Bibliography
A Summary of Spinoza's Ethics
Notes on the Transition
Part 2: The Text
Ethics, Demonstrated in Geometrical Order
Part One: On God
Part Two: On the Nature and Origin of the Mind
Part Three: On the Origin and Nature of Emotions
Part Four: On Human Servitude, or On the Strength of Emotions
Part Five: On the Power of the Intellect, or On Human Freedom
Part 3: Supplementary Material
Glossary
Notes to the Ethics
Index of References
Index of Names and Subjects