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Ethics is a philosophical book written by Benedictus de Spinoza. Although published after Spinoza's death, in 1677, it is considered his greatest and most famous work. In it, Spinoza tries to set out a "fully cohesive philosophical system that strives to provide a coherent picture of reality and to comprehend the meaning of an ethical life. Following a logical step-by-step format, it defines in turn the nature of God, the mind, human bondage to the emotions, and the power of understanding -- moving from a consideration of the eternal, to speculate upon humanity's place in the natural order, freedom, and the path to attainable happiness."
A great read for any atheist or agnostic aspiring philosopher, or angry religious person. Spinoza is the only really logical philosopher I have ever read, which is both impressive and mind-numbingly depressing. He presents some great ideas in a very structured way, but expect quite a bit of trouble actually getting through the book. The appendix to part one is the best part, because it's readable and contains most of his major ideas. ( )
Wow, so many 5's and rave reviews from Goodreads readers, but why, why, why? All these definitions, propositions, and demonstrations trying to lay out a logical proof make for such ponderous reading. What Spinoza presents is basically a vision. Why not present it as an extended essay, or better yet, a suitable philosophical form such as allegory, dialog -- or even better yet, an extended poem (Dante surely comes to mind). Why does Spinoza choose for his medium something as dry as a logical proof? The untutored won't be able to follow it and the well tutored, if they value their time, seem likely to poke holes in it, shrug, sigh, and move on. If I want to find out what Spinoza is about, I'll start by reading about Spinoza. I won't wear our my molars on this. ( )
Espinafre (eu chamo o Spinoza assim, perdão aos fãs) tem uma definição curiosa de alegria (o que engorda) e tristeza (o que mata), isto é, o que aumenta a potência de agir e o que diminui. Com isso e com seu malabarismo pós-descartes, temos um livro que radicaliza a ideia de método geométrico até que algo que preze pela clareza e distinção se transforme em um labirinto o qual perdemos a chave. LOGO, é algo para lermos perdidos, imersos em ideias confusas, como alguém que padece de uma paixão para, com a ajuda das mentes que eternizaram seu deciframento etc CQD. ( )
Beskrivelse: Verket er bygget opp rundt læresetninger, bevis og anmerkninger. Det er inndelt i fem deler som handler om Gud, om sjelens natur og opprinnelse, om følelsenes opprinnelse og natur, om menneskelig slaveri eller følelsenes makt og om hvordan fornuften kan frigjøre mennesket. Dette er Spinozas hovedverk. Bokas innledning setter verket inn i sin sammenheng.
By cause of itself I understand that whose essence involves existence, or that whose nature cannot be conceived except as existing.
Quotations
There is no singular thing in Nature which is more useful to man than a man who lives according to the guidance of reason
Blessedness is not the reward of virtue, but virtue itself; nor do we enjoy it because we restrain our lusts; on the contrary, because we enjoy it, we are able to restrain them.
Last words
But all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.
4. Lastly, this doctrine confers no small advantage on the commonwealth; for it teaches how citizens should be governed and led, not so as to become slaves, but so that they may freely do whatsoever things are best.
Ethics is a philosophical book written by Benedictus de Spinoza. Although published after Spinoza's death, in 1677, it is considered his greatest and most famous work. In it, Spinoza tries to set out a "fully cohesive philosophical system that strives to provide a coherent picture of reality and to comprehend the meaning of an ethical life. Following a logical step-by-step format, it defines in turn the nature of God, the mind, human bondage to the emotions, and the power of understanding -- moving from a consideration of the eternal, to speculate upon humanity's place in the natural order, freedom, and the path to attainable happiness."
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▾Library descriptions
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▾LibraryThing members' description
Book description
pt. 1. Concerning God
pt. 2. Of the nature and origin of the mind
pt. 3. Concerning the origin and nature of the emotions
pt. 4. Of human bondage, or the nature of the emotions
pt. 5. Of the power of the intellect, or of human freedom
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Wikipedia in English (4)
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