Articles

Spinoza over democratie en godsdienst

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Abstract

As a contribution to the commemorations of Spinoza's death (1677), this article describes in a few pages the significance of Spinoza in the evolution of Western political thought. Especially in his (unachieved) Political Treatise, Spinoza attempted to elaborate a «scientific» theory of political life, i.e. a closing deductive theory based upon a «true knowledge of the causes and natural bases» of human actions and passions.  In his view it can be proved with a rational necessity that democracy - defined as Spinoza defines it - is the best political regime. He strongly emphasizes that democracy and, consequently, a well organized and efficiently functioning life in common, is impossible without real freedom of opinion and speech and a political «neutralization» of religion.

How to Cite:

De Clercq, B., (1977) “Spinoza over democratie en godsdienst”, Res Publica 19(4), 661-671. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/rp.v19i4.19460