Any Spinoza Scholars?

The Eschaton · 12-01-2007, 02:47 PM

I want to start a discussion about Spinoza. I had recently started reading Ethics and i found myself interested in his writings because the philosophy seems pretty coherent and in good agreement with a modern understanding of the world. I am confused because sometimes i dont follow his arguments very well. In fact sometimes i agree more with his conclusions than his arguments.

His philosophy in part I seems to imply all possible things must exist. It is sort of close to modern cosmology.

His philosophy if the mind i cant tell. Sometimes he seems very dualist but then he also seems very insistent on the embodied mind. Im pretty sure he thinks the mind and body are the same thing but he does also divide the world in two, thought and extension.

His idea of free will seems to be modern compatabalist?

I know some of physics, cosmology, and neuroscience but almost nothing about psychology. I think his philosophy fits very well with what i know of physics, cosmology and modern theory of the mind. Im not sure if his theory of ethics, and human motivation, desire and endeavor is in line with modern understanding.

Do you think Spinoza's arguments are logical, coherent, sound?

How does Spinoza's arguments agree or disagree with scientific understanding?

Cloud · 12-01-2007, 07:40 PM

Hey I'm a Spinoza scholar!

Yep. Ms. Espinosa was the headmistress at my school.

That counts, right?

SteveDallas · 12-02-2007, 10:22 AM

This is on my "going to get around to reading it one day" list.

Other than that . . . sorry!

Cicero · 12-03-2007, 01:12 PM

"All things must exist", is a term used by Metaphysicians...I'd like to see a metaphysician take on the subject of ethics...

Sounds interesting...try going to IIDB forum, you will surely get a good answer there!

Good luck to you, and maybe I'll pick up a copy...my reading materials are sadly, not this modern. (for the most part)

Cloud · 12-03-2007, 01:57 PM

Thanks, Steve Dallas, I think I've found a good Christmas present for my boss!

12-01-2007, 02:47 PM	#1
The Eschaton Vivacious Vivisectionist Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Future Posts: 36	Any Spinoza Scholars? I want to start a discussion about Spinoza. I had recently started reading Ethics and i found myself interested in his writings because the philosophy seems pretty coherent and in good agreement with a modern understanding of the world. I am confused because sometimes i dont follow his arguments very well. In fact sometimes i agree more with his conclusions than his arguments. His philosophy in part I seems to imply all possible things must exist. It is sort of close to modern cosmology. His philosophy if the mind i cant tell. Sometimes he seems very dualist but then he also seems very insistent on the embodied mind. Im pretty sure he thinks the mind and body are the same thing but he does also divide the world in two, thought and extension. His idea of free will seems to be modern compatabalist? I know some of physics, cosmology, and neuroscience but almost nothing about psychology. I think his philosophy fits very well with what i know of physics, cosmology and modern theory of the mind. Im not sure if his theory of ethics, and human motivation, desire and endeavor is in line with modern understanding. Do you think Spinoza's arguments are logical, coherent, sound? How does Spinoza's arguments agree or disagree with scientific understanding? __________________ "All i say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed." - Montaigne

12-01-2007, 07:40 PM	#2
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	Hey I'm a Spinoza scholar! Yep. Ms. Espinosa was the headmistress at my school. That counts, right? __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

12-03-2007, 01:12 PM	#4
Cicero Looking forward to open mic night. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 5,148	"All things must exist", is a term used by Metaphysicians...I'd like to see a metaphysician take on the subject of ethics... Sounds interesting...try going to IIDB forum, you will surely get a good answer there! Good luck to you, and maybe I'll pick up a copy...my reading materials are sadly, not this modern. (for the most part) __________________ Show me a sane man, and I will cure him for you.- Carl Jung

12-03-2007, 01:57 PM	#5
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	Thanks, Steve Dallas, I think I've found a good Christmas present for my boss! __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

12-02-2007, 10:22 AM	#3
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	This is on my "going to get around to reading it one day" list. Other than that . . . sorry!

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