Download Notes on Spinoza on Faith and Philosophy

Notes on Spinoza,
TTP, chapters 14-15
Spinoza’s Project
In the TTP Spinoza is trying to establish the “the limits of
individual freedom of opinion in regard to faith, and who
should be seen as belonging to the faithful in spite of their
diverse opinions” (p. 158). In chapters 14 and 15 he defines
faith, its basic principles, distinguishes it from philosophy, and
argues that neither is theology subordinate to philosophy, nor
is philosophy subordinate to theology.
Spinoza’s Definition of Faith
Faith is “the holding of certain beliefs about God such that,
without these beliefs, there cannot be obedience to God, and
if this obedience is posited, these beliefs are necessarily
posited” (p. 160).
Consequences of this Definition of Faith
• Faith does not bring salvation through itself, but only by
reason of obedience.
• One who is truly obedient necessarily possesses a true and
saving faith.
• Faith requires not so much true dogmas as pious dogmas, that
is, such as move the heart to obedience.
Tenets of the Universal Faith
•
•
•
•
•
God exists.
God is one alone.
God is omnipresent.
God has supreme right and dominion over all things.
Worship of God and obedience to him consists solely in justice
and charity, or love towards one’s neighbor.
• All who obey God by following this way of life, and only those,
are saved; others, who live at pleasure’s behest, are lost.
• God forgives repentant sinners.
Faith vs. Philosophy
“The aim of philosophy is . . . truth, while the aim of faith . . .
is nothing other than obedience and piety” (p. 164).
A Practical Implication
“[F]aith allows to every man the utmost freedom to
philosophise, and he may hold whatever opinions he pleases
on any subjects whatsoever without imputation of evil. It
condemns as heretics and schismatics only those who teach
such beliefs as promote obstinacy, hatred, strife and anger,
while it regards as the faithful only those who promote justice
and charity to the best of their intellectual powers and
capacity” (p. 164).