Spinoza’s Ethics

Abstract

Course Description: This course will consist mainly in a close reading and discussion of Spinoza'a Ethics. As we read Spinoza' Ethics we will learn how he conceives of God/Nature as a substance with infinite attributes and modes comprising everything that exists, how he explains the nature and origin of mind and emotions, what power we have of our emotions, and how we can find ultimate blessedness in the love of God/Nature. Requirements PHIL 433 (for PHIL 533 see further down): 1. Annotated glossary 35% 2. Final term paper (6-9 pages) 35% 3. Participation, exercises, short homework assignments 20% 4. Weekly meeting in reading groups 10% Regarding 1: You will be given concepts you need to include in your glossary. For each concept. a) Begin with a general definition of the word in Spinoza (include the Latin term) as you would find it in a dictionary. b) Then quote at least 3 passages in which Spinoza makes a significant use of this concept. (Note: you will add quotes as we progress in the reading of the Ethics. In week five, you only need to have one or two quotations.) Quote in the standard way for Spinoza, for example: Sch. c) Then explain in a written paragraph what the word means in the context of the quotation you presented.