Dialectics Deep Dive II: The Philosophy of Spinoza & God-as-Nature
Jun 12, 2021
auto_awesome
Explore the life and philosophy of Baruch Spinoza with expert Matthew Furlong. Topics include Spinoza's influence on society, his philosophical ideas, and the contrast with Descartes' philosophy. Delve into Spinoza's unique writing method, the concept of substance, and God as nature. Discover Spinoza's resolve against societal pressures and his intertwined view of the universe.
Spinoza challenges Cartesian dualism by emphasizing the unity of substance.
Spinoza's lack of formal education questions traditional notions of academia.
Boundary dissolution between trades and academia is advocated for comprehensive self-development.
Addressing sad passions can bridge the gap between intellectual and manual labor pursuits.
Spinoza's view of God as the universe challenges traditional religious beliefs.
Deep dives
Spinoza's Philosophical Bounce Back from Descartes' Dualism
Spinoza's philosophy was heavily influenced by Descartes and his mechanical view of the universe. While Descartes proposed body-mind dualism, Spinoza critiqued this dualism. He pointed towards a monist perspective, emphasizing the unity and totality of substance, which challenged the notion of separate body and mind substances. Spinoza's approach aimed to establish a higher unity that transcended the Cartesian dualism.
Spinoza as a Doctor of Philosophy Despite Lack of Formal Degree
Spinoza's unconventional educational path, marked by his expulsion from Torah school and absence of formal degrees, challenges the common notion of what it means to be educated. Despite not having academic credentials, Spinoza is recognized as a significant philosopher and a "Doctor of Philosophy." His example raises questions about the traditional forms of education and training in modern society.
Blurring the Divisions Between Trades, Academia, and Self-Actualization
Spinoza's background as a tradesperson after his excommunication sheds light on the divisions between trades and academia. There is a call to dissolve the boundaries between trades and academia, allowing individuals to pursue intellectual and labor pursuits simultaneously. Engaging in both intellectual development and manual labor can lead to a more well-rounded and comprehensive self-actualization, bridging the gap between different forms of learning and production.
Addressing Sad Passions in Academic and Trades Divisions
The concept of sad passions, discussed in Spinoza's philosophy, resonates with the division between academia and trades. Academics often exhibit a sense of superiority or incapacity towards trades-based activities, while trade workers sometimes showcase a machismo attitude that glorifies physical harm. By addressing these sad passions, individuals can work towards a more holistic approach to education, bridging the gap between intellectual pursuits and manual labor.
Moving Towards Comprehensive Self-Development Beyond Traditional Boundaries
In striving for a more integrated approach to education and training, individuals can explore intellectual and hands-on pursuits in a well-rounded manner. Whether engaging in academic studies or trades-based activities, the goal is to transcend the divisions between academia and trades, promoting a more comprehensive self-development that embraces diverse forms of learning and production.
Overview of Spinoza's Concept of God and Substance
Spinoza presents a perspective where God is not seen as an external creator but as the universe itself, unfolding and evolving. He argues that substance, the universal wave function, consists of infinite attributes, with humans perceiving only two, extension and thought. Spinoza's concept challenges traditional notions of a separate creator God.
Spinoza's View on Bodies and Minds
Spinoza connects the mind and body, viewing them as ideas of each other, which expands to the idea of individual and group bodies. He emphasizes the potential for bodies to exist individually or combine with others to create new entities. This perspective aligns with revolutionary leftist ideas, highlighting the importance of collective action and human unity.
Application of Spinoza's Philosophy to Trade Unions and Revolutionary Struggles
Spinoza's theory of body and collective action resonates with movements like trade unions and revolutionary struggles. Understanding how human bodies can come together to create change is crucial in analyzing the historical inevitability of events like the mass strike. Spinoza's human-centric philosophy offers insights into collective mobilization.
Spinoza's Spin on Atheism and Pantheism
Spinoza occupies a unique space between atheism and pantheism, rejecting the idea of an external, anthropomorphic God while emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. His concept of God as the unfolding cosmos challenges traditional religious dogma. Spinoza's philosophy aligns with Eastern concepts of universal interconnectedness and selflessness.
Matthew Furlong returns to the show to discuss the life and philosophy of Baruch Spinoza, the great 17th century Dutch philosopher, as a lens (no pun intended) through which to deepen our understanding of dialectics and our appreciation for the cosmos in which we exist. Check out our first installment of "Dialectics Deep Dive" here: https://revolutionaryleftradio.libsyn.com/dialectics
