Philosophy

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a biographical overview of philosopher, Benedict de Spinoza. The paper also discusses the philosophy of Rousseau and the social influences on his ideas. The paper contends that Spinoza, Rousseau and Sartre contrast one another in their approach to human rationalism, their embrace of human free will and in their confidence in science. The paper examines what purpose philosophy has in a liberal education.
Outline
Spinoza
Social influences-Before, Now, and After for Rousseau's Social Compact and the Sovereign
Spinoza, Rousseau and Sartre
Philosophy and Liberal Education
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Spinoza thus advocated a highly deterministic but amoral and irreligious mind and body dualism, whereby the human world was propelled by forces beyond human control, even though individuals might possess an illusion of free will because of the nature of the way people think and their brains are constructed. This is despite the fact that, "Spinoza came into the world" raised a religious Jew. "Born in 1632, he was the son of Marrano parents." But out of economic necessity, he left his study of the Talmud and came into his father's business. By traveling widely, he grew exposed, "most significantly," to the community of and contact "with so-called 'free-thinking' Protestants - dissenters from the dominant Calvinism - who maintained a lively interest in a wide range of theological issues, as well as in the latest developments in philosophy and science. "

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