Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1
Spinoza published his Theologico-Political Treatise anonymously in 1670, and within a few years it was banned in the Dutch Republic. This first part, in the 1883 translation by R. H. M. Elwes, contains the preface and the first five chapters: on prophecy, on the prophets, on the vocation of the Hebrews, on the divine law and on the ceremonial law. Reading Scripture as a historical document, Spinoza argues that the prophets were distinguished by vivid imagination rather than superior knowledge, that the election of the Hebrews concerned their state and prosperity rather than their wisdom, and that the true divine law asks only for the knowledge and love of God, not ceremony. The argument prepares his defense of freedom of thought. 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 Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1
Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 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.
Can I read Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 online?
Yes. Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 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 Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 in the public domain?
Yes. Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 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 Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1?
About 2 h 04 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 Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1?
Theologico-Political Treatise — Part 1 by Benedictus de Spinoza is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
