What is the main philosophy of Spinoza?

The main philosophy of Baruch Spinoza is that God and the world are the same thing, made up of the same substance. Humans can find greater happiness by using their reason and by not wasting time in religious activity which God does not hear. Spinoza also called for religious toleration.

Was Spinoza an atheist?

Baruch Spinoza was not an atheist in the modern meaning of the word. He believed in the existence of God, but not in the way traditional religions present him/her. He was called an atheist in his lifetime because then the term meant someone who does not believe in the orthodox view of God. Essentially, Spinoza sought to redefine our notion of God.

What did Spinoza say about the Bible?

Spinoza did not consider the Bible the word of God but thought it a man-made book designed to convey complex religious ideas in a simple way so that most people would understand them. He believed it was not an accurate history and should not be taken literally. He did believe it had value as a moral guide.

Baruch Spinoza Timeline

Invest in History Education

By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.

$3081 / $10000

Definition

Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was a Dutch philosopher who combined rationalism and metaphysics to create a unique system of thought. Spinoza was held up as an atheist philosopher in the 18th century, but this is not an entirely accurate representation of his views since he did not deny the existence of God but only theorised that he might be different from the orthodox view of most Jews and Christians. An advocate for religious toleration, Spinoza's redefinition of God won him anything but toleration for his views in his own lifetime.

More about: Baruch Spinoza

Timeline

1632 - 1677
Life of the philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
24 Nov 1632
Baruch Spinoza is born in Amsterdam.
Jul 1656
Baruch Spinoza is excommunicated by the Jewish community in Amsterdam.
1663
Baruch Spinoza publishes his Principles of Descartes' Philosophy and Metaphysical Thoughts.
1670
Baruch Spinoza publishes his Tractatus theologica-politicus.
1677
Ethics by Baruch Spinoza is published.
21 Feb 1677
Baruch Spinoza dies in The Hague.

Timeline Search

Search through the entire ancient history timeline. Specify between which dates you want to search, and what keywords you are looking for.