Spinoza and the Rise of Systems - (Spinoza Studies) by Diego Donna (Hardcover)

About the Book

Studies the modern and contemporary French reception of Spinoza's philosophy.

Book Synopsis

This book contributes to the ongoing debate on the contemporary relevance of Enlightenment philosophy by examining - through the lens of the French reception of Spinoza in the Eighteenth century - crucial themes such as virtuous atheism, freedom of conscience, and the tension between the 'spirit of system' and the 'systematic spirit.'

Diego Donna retraces the resistances, conflicts and interpretive ambiguities that the Enlightenment brought to bear on Spinoza's work. These are all hallmarks of a philosophical freedom that rejects all systems and authorities in the name of a new systematic reason. Donna therefore presents the notion of 'system' as essential both for understanding the historical development of Spinozism and assessing the evolution of modern philosophical debate, from the encyclopaedic culture of the Eighteenth century to the systemic rationality of the twentieth century.

Review Quotes

Spinoza and the new idea of system in the French Enlightenment. The birth of critical history of philosophy. Is Spinoza a systematic atheist? A model for the libertine movements from eclectism to scientific philosophy. From Bayle to Condillac, Donna explores the many-sided figure of the "French" Spinoza. An illuminating book on the history of philosophy.--​​​​​​​Michel Malherbe, Université de Nantes

"Who is Spinoza?" This is the question that Diego Donna asks at the beginning of this lively book. He then shows us the many philosophers Spinoza became as his thought traveled through the Enlightenment, and into our day, colliding with the birth of systematic philosophy, the invention of the history of philosophy, with the rise of encyclopedism and many other intellectual transformations, finally emerging in the cafés of 20th Century Paris.--Daniel Garber, Princeton University

...instead of simply looking for followers or adversaries, Donna examines Spinozism as a challenge and as a ferment in 18th c. philosophy. Absolutely innovative and a healthy antidote against the numerous simplifications on Spinozism and the Enlightenment.--Theo Verbeek, Utrecht University

By analyzing the avatars of the notion of "system," from Pierre Bayle to the Encyclopedists, Diego Donna renews the history of the reception of Spinozism. He thus sheds new light on the heterodox constitution of European modernity.--Pierre-François Moreau, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENSL)

This history of Spinoza's reception in France in the 18th century uses the category of system as a guiding thread. Donna vigorously takes part in the current discussion on the multiple Enlightenments. He also offers a subtle reflection on the fate of philosophy and on today's profession of historian of philosophy.--Sophie Roux, École Normale Supérieure, Paris