One of the classical texts of philosophy, Spinoza's Ethics is also one of the most difficult to understand. It discusses the nature of human beings, the way in which a rational person might live, the nature of God, and true freedom and how it can be attained. This volume features a new, lucid translation of Ethics enhanced by a comprehensive guide to Spinoza's work. An extensive introduction includes a short biography of Spinoza; help in understanding the form of Spinoza's writing and his own particular use of definitions; an introduction to the philosophy of Ethics; and a summary of Ethics. Further aids include a glossary of terms, notes to the text, and notes to the translation.

The Oxford Philosophical Texts series consists of truly practical and accessible guides to major philosophical texts in the history of philosophy from the ancient world up to modern times. Each book opens with a comprehensive introduction by a leading specialist which covers the philosopher's life, work, and influence. Endnotes, a full bibliography, guides to further reading, and an index are also included. The series aims to build a definitive corpus of key texts in the Western philosophical tradition, forming a reliable and enduring resource for students and teachers alike.

One of the classical texts of philosophy, Spinoza's Ethics is also one of the most difficult to understand. It discusses the nature of human beings, the way in which a rational person might live, the nature of God, and true freedom and how it can be attained. This volume features a new, lucid translation of Ethics enhanced by a comprehensive guide to Spinoza's work. An extensive introduction includes a short biography of Spinoza; help in understanding the form of Spinoza's writing and his own particular use of definitions; an introduction to the philosophy of Ethics; and a summary of Ethics. Further aids include a glossary of terms, notes to the text, and notes to the translation.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-346) and indexes.

Part 1: Introductory Material

How to Use This Book

List of Abbreviations

Editor's Introduction

1. Life and Works

2. 'Demonstrated in Geometrical Order'

3. The Starting-Points of Ethics: Axioms, Postulates, and Definitions

4. Substance and Attributes

5. The Modes of Extension

6. The Modes of Thought

7. Causation and Necessity

8. Truth and the Kinds of Knowledge

9. Conatus

10. The Emotions

11. The Moral Philosophy of the Ethics

12. The Influence of the Ethics

Selected Bibliography

A Summary of Spinoza's Ethics

Notes on the Transition

Part 2: The Text

Ethics, Demonstrated in Geometrical Order

Part One: On God

Part Two: On the Nature and Origin of the Mind

Part Three: On the Origin and Nature of Emotions

Part Four: On Human Servitude, or On the Strength of Emotions

Part Five: On the Power of the Intellect, or On Human Freedom

Part 3: Supplementary Material

Glossary

Notes to the Ethics

Index of References

Index of Names and Subjects