Ethics (English, Paperback, Spinoza)

"Spinoza's Ethics, first published in 1677, is a famous attempt toconstruct a moral philosophy on the basis of a metaphysical theory.Spinoza aims at showing, by rigorous logic, the way in which humanbeings can cease to be subject to the passions and attain genuinefreedom. Such freedom consists in activity, and the activity is one ofunderstanding: understanding that humanity is part of an infinitesubstance and cannot exist in isolation from it. This substance, whichSpinoza calls 'God', is an all-inclusive and impersonal being, whichexists and acts of necessity.Ethics is one of the most challenging of philosophical works, yet itcontinues to exercise a particular fascination. This edition isspecifically designed to throw light on the problems which surroundits interpretation, and to consider Spinoza's philosophy in the contextof his life and work. Professor Parkinson has provided a criticalintroduction, explanatory notes and a comprehensive index. Inaddition, And