ONLINE: This course explores the life and thought of Baruch Spinoza, a groundbreaking philosopher born into a Sephardic Jewish family who were exiled from Portugal and resettled in the Dutch Republic during its golden age. We’ll begin with an overview of Spinoza’s early life, education and intellectual influences, particularly René Descartes, who was still active in Holland during Spinoza’s youth. From there, we’ll examine Spinoza’s bold and often subversive ideas on religion, ethics and politics, placing his work within the religious and political tensions of his time. The course will also delve into Spinoza’s key philosophical concepts — mind, reason, matter, substance, body, God and nature — with special attention paid to his political philosophy. Classes will be lecture-based with ample opportunity for questions and discussion. No prior background in philosophy is required. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 24.
