The Questions

Spinoza was one of the first philosophers, in the 17th Century, to consider society as one would consider nature: as a network of causes and effects.

 Also with matters we regard as ‘good’, the...

Spinoza’s most important contribution to modern democracy is this radical idea: he views the state and the political system as a profoundly human practice, for which there is no divine or scientific...

In an ideal democracy the best way to serve the public interest as viewed by the majority, without violating the rights of minorities, is through laws. In practice this seldom works.

 Even the...

Now that everyone can publish their opinions 24/7 from their mobile phones, it may seem as though democracy entails that all opinions are equal. But the opinion of the cabinet isn't counterbalanced...

Strictly speaking, respect always means the honoring of equal rights, but by respect people usually mean a certain esteem or even admiration they would like to receive from others. The question is:...

This is a question that occupied Spinoza’s thoughts on a daily basis. He was convinced that he and his friends were not safe and had to fear for their lives if his writings would be published under...

Many people tend to forget that they unquestioningly imagine God as a person. One who reigns over the entire universe. 

 To Spinoza there’s only one reality, in which all matter and God coincide.

Many people hate insecurity and doubt. They think fixed values and invariable rules are a guarantee to happiness. Spinoza is a philosopher whose image of human weakness and foolishness is without...

We resolutely obey the law and comply with other people's expectations and requests - at least some of the time. But isn't this primarily a matter of self-interest? If everyone is obedient the world...


Spinoza thinks people acknowledge the authority of the state for two reasons: out of fear and self-interest. As long as the rules and institutions of the state give most people a feeling of safety...

On average people will invoke something like the holiness of the human or a decree of a divine nature. But Spinoza would say that in such cases science has to supply the answer. We now know...

The authority of kings, dictators and the state is traditionally based on God, or one or the other historical necessity or idea. 

Spinoza unmasks them all: only fear and self-interest can keep a...

A question reminding us, that laws are invented to serve the common good by setting rules and creating punishment, for safety as well as meeting a sense of justice. But also reminding us, that it’s...

Or: who claims what against who? Against a crowd of cabaret fans, you don’t have to underpin your claims with arguments, but under oath in front of a judge you’ll have to.

 There are many opinions...

Spinoza’s idea that there’s only one reality, suggests that no phenomenon is more real than the next. Everything is equally real, so all opinions are worth investigating and trying to understand.

People take for granted using all plants and animals as they wish. Based on which arguments do some limit themselves in that respect? 

Cows are holy in India, we reject the eating of cats and dogs