Spinoza's Geometry of Power - Softcover

Viljanen, Valtteri

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1107417384 ISBN 13: 9781107417380

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2014

Synopsis

This work examines the unique way in which Benedict de Spinoza (1632–77) combines two significant philosophical principles: that real existence requires causal power and that geometrical objects display exceptionally clearly how things have properties in virtue of their essences. Valtteri Viljanen argues that underlying Spinoza's psychology and ethics is a compelling metaphysical theory according to which each and every genuine thing is an entity of power endowed with an internal structure akin to that of geometrical objects. This allows Spinoza to offer a theory of existence and of action - human and non-human alike - as dynamic striving that takes place with the same kind of necessity and intelligibility that pertain to geometry. Viljanen's fresh and original study will interest a wide range of readers in Spinoza studies and early modern philosophy more generally.

About this title

Review:

'Viljanen rescues Spinoza's metaphysics from interpreters who push too hard in domesticating his radical ideas. In building his interpretation, he makes excellent use not only of Spinoza's text, but also of scholarship in medieval philosophy and contemporary metaphysics. The breadth and depth of his study are impressive.' Charlie Huenemann, Utah State University

'In this book, Valtteri Viljanen develops a very lucid study of the fundamental role the concept of power plays in Spinoza's system ... Viljanen's book is one of the best books on Spinoza's metaphysics written in English since [A] Study of Spinoza's Ethics, published by Bennett in 1984. Moreover, like Bennett's book, Viljanen's is such that even though one can disagree (or agree) with its thesis as much as one likes, clearly this is a work that cannot be ignored.' Mogens Lærke, translated from Archives de Philosophie

Book Description:

The book develops a new interpretation of Spinoza's philosophy as a doctrine according to which genuine things exist and operate in ways as clearly discernible as geometrical objects' properties. This offers a compelling view of human existence as realization of power.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1107417384
• ISBN 13: 9781107417380
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 210