On the Improvement of the Understanding
Spinoza's Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect, left unfinished and published by his friends after his death in 1677, is the clearest statement of how he thought philosophy should begin. It opens with a personal account of his resolution to seek a true and lasting good, unlike the riches, honor and pleasure that most men pursue, and goes on to lay down rules of life and to distinguish four modes of perception, of which only knowledge through the essence of a thing is adequate. The rest of the fragment deals with the method itself: how to tell true ideas from fictitious, false and doubtful ones, and how to frame good definitions. R. H. M. Elwes's translation dates from 1883. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about On the Improvement of the Understanding
On the Improvement of the Understanding by Benedictus de Spinoza can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
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The first chapter of On the Improvement of the Understanding is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is On the Improvement of the Understanding in the public domain?
Yes. On the Improvement of the Understanding by Benedictus de Spinoza is a public-domain work, here in the translation by R. H. M. Elwes. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read On the Improvement of the Understanding?
About 1 h 06 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is On the Improvement of the Understanding?
On the Improvement of the Understanding by Benedictus de Spinoza is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
