Spinoza and His Jewish Influence
Spinoza is considered one of the critical foundations of modern western thought. However, since he was of Jewish background and sought to expand on what he was taught by Jewish tradition, it is safe to say that much of modern western thought is based, partly, on Jewish ideas through Spinoza. Though there is not a whole lot written in English covering exactly what Spinoza learned and thought during his early years, a comparison of Spinoza's writings with Jewish writings offers a great deal of insight into how he was influenced by those ideas.From all accounts, Baruch Spinoza, who later changed his name to the Latin equivalent Benedict Spinoza, was a shining light in the Jewish community. He quickly mastered Hebrew and studied at quite an early time the Talmud. His teachers, among them Rabbi Saul Levi Morteira, had great hopes for him. Though Spinoza did not wish to follow his successful father's footsteps as a merchant, Spinoza's father grew proud that his son showed such inspiration in Jewish thought and was on his way toward becoming a rabbi. It is said that the study of the Talmud trained his intellect, particularly through reasoning by analogy, and that his study of the Haggada "had a great and permanent influence
Hayes, Frank A. Spinoza: earlier Philosophical Writings 1963 He began to wonder what Christians had to say about the questions he raised. He soon started to study Latin under Van den Ende; a Dutch scholar who was considered to some degree a bit of a heretic himself. Described as adventurous, Van den Ende criticized creeds and governments and even joined a conspiracy against the King of France, though was hung in 1674. In addition to teaching Spinoza Latin, he had a pretty daughter who found interest in Spinoza, though she quickly lost it when another suitor came around bearing expensive gifts. Harris, Errol E. Spinoza's Philosophy: An Outline 1992 Calkins, Mary Whiton The Persistent Problems of Philosophy 1933 Beck, L.W. Six Secular Philosophers 1960
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Approximate Word count = 2619
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)
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