Spinoza, Liberalism, and the Question of Jewish Identity

Baruch Spinoza (1632-77) - Often Recognized As The First Modern Jewish Thinker - Was Also A Founder Of Modern Liberal Political Philosophy. This Book Is The First To Connect Systematically These Two Aspects Of Spinoza's Legacy. Steven B. 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. The Return Of The Theologico-political Problem -- Spinoza's Audience And Manner Of Writing -- The Critique Of Scripture -- From Sacred To Secular History -- A Democratic Turn -- From Sacred To Secular History -- A Democratic Turn -- From Jerusalem To Amsterdam -- The Legacy Of The Treatise -- The Jewish Question Reconsidered. Steven B. Smith. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 207-259) And Indexes.