Book Description

"It is the purpose of this volume to set forth the philosophical system of Spinoza in the philosopher's own words, and not merely to prepare a book of disconnected extracts from his writings, I have followed a plan which may seem somewhat unusual in works of this kind. The philosophy of Spinoza is contained in its final form in the "Ethics." By translating in full the first, second, and fifth parts of the "Ethics," giving the author's prefaces to, and summaries of, the third and fourth parts, and supplying in foot-notes passages in the omitted portions to which reference is made, I have found it possible to give a just idea of the doctrine contained in the "Ethics," while reducing the work by about one-half, and bringing it within the limits demanded by this Series. That it is not easy to cut into a work constructed as is this one, anyone may readily satisfy himself by examination. I think, however, I have omitted nothing essential to a comprehension of Spinoza's metaphysical system, and have preserved intact his chain of argument. This second edition is so different from the first that it may almost be regarded as a new book. The general plan is retained, but the translation has been freely altered throughout, and in Part III propositions I to II have been added. Some of the introductory matter is new, and the critical and explanatory notes have been greatly multiplied. I have discussed at length in a prefatory note the nature of Spinoza's reasoning and the foundations upon which it rests; and I beg the reader to examine this carefully before proceeding to a study of the text"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).