This week on The Philosopher’s Zone, we meet Spinoza’s god, which might seem an odd thing to do. Baruch Spinoza, one of the greatest philosophers of his day, was expelled from the Amsterdam synagogue in 1656 because of his unorthodox religious views. Ever since, he has been regarded as the great atheist of the Western tradition. Yet he mentions God very often throughout his writings. So this week, we try to reconcile the paradox in Spinoza between his perceived atheism and his constant references to the divine.
An atheist’s God: the paradox of Spinoza - The Philosopher’s Zone - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Possibly related…
-
The Best of Ideas - Spinoza
Baruch Spinoza was a 17th century lens grinder known for his precision optical work. But it was his philosophy that made this Dutch-Jewish thinker famous, then and now. IDEAS host Paul Kennedy explores how Spinoza’s thoughts on God, the universe, ethics and politics helped ignite the flame that became the Enlightenment.
Tagged with enlightenment spinoza philosophy nature god universe ethics
-
Spinoza 2009 - Beth Lord
-
Spinoza 2009 - Don Garrett