Jonathan Israel: How Spinoza Was a Revolutionary Thinker- Stroum Lectures 2017

Jonathan Israel of the Institute for Advanced Study argues that Baruch Spinoza's ideas about religion were revolutionary-- and that they paved the way for the modern human rights movement.

This lecture was presented on May 21, 2017 as part of the annual Stroum Lecture series hosted by the Stroum Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Washington, part of the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.

Comment Policy:
The Stroum Center for Jewish Studies believes that comments are a valuable source of dialogue and wants to include your thoughts as part of the conversation. To create a welcoming space for all, we publish comments that are respectful and relevant to the conversation.

[charlesputnam]

I read a lot of philosophy when I was young. Spinoza was my favorite and had a positive affect on my life. I think Spinoza 's book Ethics is a masterpiece of world literature. Lucky for me my local library has a copy. Last time I checked it out I was the only person to check it out for 10 years.

[mikelipschitz]

How can anyone study Spinoza without hearing this lecture .THANK YOU Prof

[antonioclaro]

More than 500 years after, when I came of age, my mother explained to me that her family is a new christian family, that our ancestors where sephardic jews forced into christianity. And as more I gather knowledge regarding judaism more I identify characteristics in my education, in the ways of my family, that are related to judaism. With Spinoza that match is very personal, thank you!

[erickraan]

This sort of conversation is sadly lacking in the discourse of the 21st century. Bravo meneer Israel, Bravo!

[Hermes]

Israel's books on the Enlightenment are
sheer Joy for the mind. He has revived it.

[Eudaimonia]

Absolutely amazing and delivered with clarity and insight. Thank you.

[miglenas]

Time is too short to drink from all the life-bearing fountains of knowledge. I will come to your lecture, for sure.. hopefully - rather sooner than later.

[FalseFlagAmerican]

What a delight and a complete joy. Wonderful

[basseur]

Thank you for the interesting lecture, Dr. Israel. Very inspiring.

[liberalegypt]

Thank you gor putting English subtitles

[brauliocavalcanti]

Thank you, professor. Fascinating lecture

[EinsteinKnowedIt]

Thank you for keeping the master metaphysical moralist relevant.

[robinharwood]

We really should call him "Benedict", not "Baruch". "Benedict" was the name he used and was published under. It is the name he was known by for most of the years since his death. "Baruch" was the name he was given in the synagogue when he was a baby, and the name under which he was cursed, reviled, and excommunicated by the synagogue. I think it is an insult to him not to use the name he chose.

[blankpage]

If I can achieve half what spinoza has done, I can die in peace. The most brilliant philosopher I have read so far, followed by aristotle and david hume.

[hirschowitz]

Superb lecture. May I recommend “Spinoza Selections” Edited by John Wild.... Thank you for posting.

[bradkelley]

I don't know if this post will get seen by anyone who might know, as it has been several years since this lecture was posted, but is the NEXT lecture of Prof. Israel available anywhere? He mentions it several times, and I would love to see it.

[stevenyourke]

He was expelled from the synagogue?! I like him already!

[nicolasszernek]

Wow, 35:40 to introduce an idea would deserve a 2h long lecture, at least.

[Noidonteatbabiesstopasking]

What did the Dutch have against Sicily?

[StevensBorowsky]

How is he Jewish if he wasn't Jewish according to Jewish authority? Ironic that Jews now scramble to claim Spinoza after they condemned him.