Individuals, Power and Participation: Metaphysics and Politics inSpinoza Público

Tucker, Ericka (2009)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/2514nk66z?locale=es
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Abstract

Abstract:

Individuals, Power and Participation: Metaphysics and Politics in Spinoza By Ericka Tucker

I argue that Spinoza's affect theory provides a way to understand how the power of the state is a function of the power and organization of the affects of the individuals within it. By properly understanding normativity as the basis of social life, and yet as anchored in the affective life of individuals, Spinoza creates a foundation for a naturalized ethics and political philosophy. Spinoza's conception of the political subject answers critics of the liberal subject, while retaining an understanding of the need for empowered citizens in strong democracies. From Spinoza's ethical and political works I derive a set of principles and a conception of the political subject and then bring these to bear on contemporary questions in democratic theory and international development.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1: Part 1: The Liberal Subject: its origin and its critics Part 2: Beyond the Liberal Subject Chapter 2: Spinoza's Individual Chapter 3: Spinoza's Political Vision Chapter 4: Agreement, Reason and Spinoza's Communicative Democracy Chapter 5: Power, Norms and Reform: Development Naturalized Conclusion: Reform, Empowerment and Political Philosophy

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