Tractatus Theologico-Politicus

Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Buruch de Spinoza
ISBN 978 90284 1773 1
Publisher: Wereldbibliotheek

OVERVIEW:

This Tractatus by Spinoza concerns the way the world is governed. Spinoza addresses the established order and the very basis of it: the explanation of scripture. In an analysis of the scripture, which was unorthodox in that time to say the least, Spinoza shows contradictions in the Holy Bible and even contradictions between the words of the prophets themselves. With this he shows that the scripture should not be taken literally, in that sense, the states base themselves not on scripture, but on the opinions of the prophets. Nearing the end of the Tractatus he provocates the authorities even further with his idea that the state should have no stake in what the populace thinks, nor can it ever hope to dictate what is thought. In that sense it is really stupid of the state to even try because it will lead to revolt and revolution. From that thought the true 'duty' of the state is clearly visible: To ensure the freedom of thought of it's subjects.
These thoughts got Spinoza excummunicated from the Jewish soci?ty.

PRO'S:

• Translation - Relatively easy to read.
  
• The first work advocating the modern western state in western philosophy.
  
• A meticulous analysis of key elements in scripture.
  
• Many referrals and citations from Hebrew, Greek, Roman and Eastern and Arabian works that point out more or less what Spinoza means to show.
  
• A clear look into the thoughts of medieval thinking, religion and politics.
  
• It was written by 'our Jew'.
  

CON'S:

• In reality the only con there is exists because I have the luxury of looking at this work from a perspective which has had a chance to see the thought voiced in this work evolve.
  
• The first sixteen of twenty chapters are an analysis of scripture which might be boring for people who are not interested in that.
  
• Translation - Losing its accuracy in translation.
  

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Tolerence is shown as a necessity for human life and therefore a necessity for the survival of the state.
  
• The philosophical stance Spinoza takes towards what is surely going to be excommunication is inspiring.
  
• The insights into scripture are voiced in such a way that it is clear Spinoza knows he is balancing on the edge of the inquisitions pyres and the only reason that he doesn't press certain points is a natural respect for other people's belief systems.
  
• Spinoza's idea of 'God' as nature shows beautifully in the way he reasons away certain dogma's.
  

NOTABLE QUOTE:

[INDENT]"No, the object of government is not to change men from rational beings into beasts or puppets, but to enable them to develop their minds and bodies in security, and to employ their reason unshackled; neither showing hatred, anger, or deciet, nor watched with the eyes of jealousy and injustice. In fact, the true aim of government is liberty."
[/INDENT]RATING: 8.5 [1]

[1] The 1,5 point I didn't award this book with are primarily due to a poor translation and poor philosophical explanations of Spinoza's work by the translator. The original work would not have had this disadvantage.