Rosen, Stanley. “Benedict Spinoza" in History of Political Philosophy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987: 431–450.

In his essay “Benedict Spinoza,” featured in History of Political Philosophy (1987), Stanley Rosen examines Spinoza’s political philosophy, highlighting his systematic defense of democracy and departure from traditional teleological views. Rosen emphasizes Spinoza’s mechanistic outlook and rejection of anthropocentrism, positioning him as a pivotal figure in modern political thought. He explores Spinoza’s integration of scientific reasoning into political theory, advocating for a society governed by rational principles rather than passions. Rosen contrasts Spinoza’s ideas with those of contemporaries like Hobbes, noting Spinoza’s recognition of a pre-existing natural order and a less authoritarian stance. The essay delves into Spinoza’s views on freedom, democracy, and the subjugation of politics and religion to reason, underscoring his vision of a rational society that enhances human capacity for reason.

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