Spinoza, Liberalism, and the Question of Jewish Identity - Paperback

by Steven B. Smith (Author)

"Steven Smith's lucid and compelling argument for writing Spinoza into the political theory canon is also a profound meditation on the Spinozan theme of religion and republican liberty."-Michael Walzer "An important book, elevating Spinoza to a deserved place beside Hobbes and Locke as one of the founders of modern political philosophy and showing the importance of 'the Jewish Question' for the whole meaning of modern liberalism."-Nathan Tarcov "A compelling book . . . a searching exposition of what was overthrown and what was built, what sacrificed and what gained, by the theological-political revolution Spinoza championed."-Peter Berkowitz, Wilson Quarterly "The book is clearly written and reveals a mastery of the writings of classical political theory. No other book covers this ground."-Choice Baruch Spinoza (1632-77)-often recognized as the first modern Jewish thinker-was also a founder of modern liberal political philosophy. This prize-winning book is the first to connect systematically these two aspects of Spinoza's legacy. Smith shows that Spinoza was a politically engaged theorist who both advocated and embodied a new conception of the emancipated individual, a thinker who decisively influenced such diverse movements as the Enlightenment, liberalism, and political Zionism.

Back Jacket

Spinoza was recognized as the first modern Jewish thinker-was also a founder of modern liberal political philosophy. He was the first thinker of note make the civil status of Jews and Judaism (later known as the Jewish Question) and essential ingredient of modern political thought.