Oct. 20

Zachary Gartenberg (JHU)

Spinoza’s Definition of Faith

Abstract: In this paper I carefully unpack Spinoza's definition of 'faith' in Chapter 14 of the Theological-Political Treatise. I argue that the definition, properly understood, sheds valuable light on Spinoza's understanding of the relationship between faith and obedience, the purpose and rationale of Spinoza's "dogmas of universal faith," and the way in which Spinoza seeks to ground the separation of faith and philosophy--his main priority in the Treatise.

Zachary Gartenberg is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the University Writing Program at Johns Hopkins University, where he received his PhD in philosophy in 2022. His interests lie especially in the history of philosophy, where he has published on a wide range of figures.

Please navigate to “Downloads” in the top right corner for a draft of the pre-circulated paper.

A recording of the session will be made available following the event.

(The “Downloads” page is password-protected, and the password is available to all members of the Spinoza and EMP Workshop email list.)