Baruch Spinoza
Netherlands, seventeenth century
In the Ethics, understanding natural necessity is central to human freedom.
Historical context
The Ethics was published posthumously in 1677. Its geometrical order presents definitions, axioms, and demonstrations about God, nature, and human life.
Overview
Understanding an affect means asking what causes it and what our response depends on. Adequate understanding distinguishes what we do through our own capacity from what we undergo through causes we scarcely understand.
Main claims
Human freedom grows as we understand the causes that determine us.
Debates and nuances
His account of freedom concerns acting from one’s nature and allows for degrees in human beings.
This entry provides educational context.