Baruch Spinoza

democracy and freedom of speech

Paola De Cuzzani

pp. 95-118

in: Guttorm Fløistad (ed), Philosophy of justice, Berlin, Springer, 2015

Abstract

The author invites to a consideration of the work of Spinoza as a unitary plan, where the fundamental political tenets are built on the theories he developed in the Ethics. The theory on natural right, the development of the state, the concept of democracy and the notion that the absolute power of the state may only be upheld if executed rationally involve the solutions to some metaphysical, epistemological and ethical problems; solutions which Spinoza worked out in the Ethics. The paper first takes a look at Spinoza's fundamental ontological and anthropological concepts as preconditions for political life. It then examines his theory on natural right and democracy. The paper finally analyzes the central role the freedom of thought and speech, liberation from prejudice and defense of civil rights play in Spinoza's political thinking.

Cited authors

Spinoza Baruch