{"id":1092,"date":"2021-10-07T09:06:31","date_gmt":"2021-10-07T06:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/?page_id=1092"},"modified":"2021-10-09T21:57:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-09T18:57:48","slug":"spinozas-geometry-of-power","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/spinozas-geometry-of-power\/","title":{"rendered":"Spinoza\u2019s Geometry of Power"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Valtteri Viljanen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cambridge: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/us\/academic\/subjects\/philosophy\/early-modern-philosophy\/spinozas-geometry-power\">Cambridge University Press<\/a>, 2011 (Paperback 2014)<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Spinozas-Geometry-of-Power.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1323\" title=\"Illustration: courtesy of Jaakko Viljanen\" src=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Spinozas-Geometry-of-Power2-202x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"269\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Spinozas-Geometry-of-Power2-202x300.jpg 202w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Spinozas-Geometry-of-Power2.jpg 549w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 269px) 100vw, 269px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>This work examines the unique way in which Benedict de Spinoza (1632\u20131677) combines two significant philosophical principles: that real existence requires causal power and that geometrical objects display exceptionally clearly how things have properties in virtue of their essences. Valtteri Viljanen argues that underlying Spinoza&#8217;s psychology and ethics is a compelling metaphysical theory according to which each and every genuine thing is an entity of power endowed with an internal structure akin to that of geometrical objects. This allows Spinoza to offer a theory of existence and of action \u2013 human and non-human alike \u2013 as dynamic striving that takes place with the same kind of necessity and intelligibility that pertain to geometry. Viljanen\u2019s fresh and original study will interest a wide range of readers in Spinoza studies and early modern philosophy more generally.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Available Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/SGP-Table-of-Contents.pdf\">Table of Contents<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/SGP-Introduction.pdf\">Introduction<\/a>*<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/SGP-Index.pdf\">Index<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Reviews<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cViljanen rescues Spinoza\u2019s metaphysics from interpreters who push too hard in domesticating his radical ideas. In building his interpretation, he makes excellent use not only of Spinoza\u2019s text, but also of scholarship in medieval philosophy and contemporary metaphysics. The breadth and depth of his study are impressive.\u201d<br \/>\nCharlie Huenemann, Utah State University<\/p>\n<div class=\"contentHiddenReviews\">\n<p>\u201c[T]his book gives the most detailed and insightful account of the way in which geometry guides Spinoza\u2019s metaphysics \u2026 One of the great virtues of Viljanen\u2019s rich and sophisticated book is that, without going over this precipice, it brings us to the brink of taking this last momentous, wonderful, and perhaps terrifying step.\u201d [Full <a href=\"http:\/\/ndpr.nd.edu\/news\/32044-spinoza-s-geometry-of-power\/\">review<\/a>.]<br \/>\nMichael Della Rocca, Yale University, <em>Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201c<em>Spinoza\u2019s Geometry of Power<\/em> will appeal to a broad audience. It will serve as a clear, thorough, and succinct introduction for those unfamiliar with Spinoza\u2019s views on power, geometry, and essence. It will also inform and stimulate the expert. I highly recommend it.\u201d [Full <a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Morrison-Review-of-SGP.pdf\">review<\/a>.]<br \/>\nJohn Morrison, Barnard College, Columbia University, <em>British Journal for the History of Philosophy<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cViljanen\u2019s book will have \u2026 an important role in the contemporary debate on Spinoza\u2019s thought. The author succeeds in questioning some of the most established interpretations of Spinoza\u2019s philosophy, and provides convincing readings of some of the interpretative issues debated in contemporary Anglophone scholarship \u2026 Viljanen offers probably the most complete reconstruction of the conatus argument so far[.]\u201d [Full <a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Garau-Review-of-SGP.pdf\">review<\/a>.]<br \/>\nRodolfo Garau, University of Turin, translated from <em>Rivista di filosofia<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201c[O]ne of the most impressive features of Viljanen\u2019s book is that it demonstrates that acknowledging Spinoza\u2019s orientation toward geometry and his rationalist conception of powers sheds light on some of his deepest and perhaps even darkest philosophical contentions \u2026 Viljanen provides a highly unified and fascinating picture of Spinoza\u2019s philosophy, in which truths about human psychology naturally flow from metaphysically basic assumptions about the intrinsically powerful make-up of the universe \u2026 <em>Spinoza\u2019s Geometry of Power<\/em> is an extremely valuable contribution to the Spinoza scholarship, which reveals the pivotal role of the notion of power in Spinoza\u2019s philosophy that has so often been overlooked \u2026 it is to be hoped that Viljanen\u2019s method of approaching Spinoza, in light of his immediate scholastic predecessors, sets an example for the study of other early modern authors as well[.]\u201d [Full <a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Schmid-SGP-Review.pdf\">review<\/a>.]<br \/>\nStephan Schmid, Institut f\u00fcr Philosophie, Humboldt-Universit\u00e4t zu Berlin,<em> Archiv f\u00fcr Geschichte der Philosophie<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn this book, Valtteri Viljanen develops a very lucid study of the fundamental role the concept of power plays in Spinoza\u2019s system \u2026 Viljanen&#8217;s book is one of the best books on Spinoza\u2019s metaphysics written in English since <em>A Study of Spinoza\u2019s<\/em> Ethics, published by Bennett in 1984. Moreover, like Bennett\u2019s book, Viljanen\u2019s is such that even though one can disagree (or agree) with its thesis as much as one likes, clearly this is a work that cannot be ignored.\u201d [Full <a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Laerke-Review-of-SGP.pdf\">review<\/a>.]<br \/>\nMogens L\u00e6rke, CNRS France, translated from <em>Archives de Philosophie<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.fi\/scholar?oi=bibs&amp;hl=fi&amp;cites=7066002819395590764\">Google Scholar References<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>* The<strong> French translation<\/strong> draft of the Introduction (and the Table of Contents), by <a href=\"https:\/\/lis.u-pec.fr\/membres\/membres-permanents\/legeay-vincent\">Vincent Legeay<\/a>, can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/SGP-Table-de-matieres-et-Introduction-20.11.2013-1.pdf\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1176\" style=\"width: 91px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1176\" class=\"wp-image-1176\" title=\"Illustration: courtesy of Jaakko Viljanen\" src=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-202x300.jpg\" alt=\"Alternative Cover\" width=\"81\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-202x300.jpg 202w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-689x1024.jpg 689w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-768x1141.jpg 768w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-1034x1536.jpg 1034w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-1378x2048.jpg 1378w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2-676x1004.jpg 676w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-2.jpg 1630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 81px) 100vw, 81px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1176\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alt Cover Draft 2<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_1173\" style=\"width: 89px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1173\" class=\"wp-image-1173\" title=\"Illustration: courtesy of Jaakko Viljanen\" src=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"79\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-672x1024.jpg 672w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-768x1171.jpg 768w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-1008x1536.jpg 1008w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-1343x2048.jpg 1343w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-676x1031.jpg 676w, https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1290\/2021\/10\/Version-1-Red-scaled.jpg 1679w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 79px) 100vw, 79px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-1173\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alt Cover Draft 1<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Valtteri Viljanen Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011 (Paperback 2014) This work examines the unique way in which Benedict de Spinoza (1632\u20131677) combines two significant philosophical principles: that real existence requires causal power and that geometrical objects display exceptionally clearly how things have properties in virtue of their essences. Valtteri Viljanen argues that underlying Spinoza&#8217;s psychology [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6375,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1092","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post-preview"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1092"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1422,"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1092\/revisions\/1422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/users.utu.fi\/valvil\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}