Spinoza and the paradox of the slave

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to draw attention to the paradoxical formulation of the slave in Chapter 16 of the Theological-Political Treatise. Spinoza begins this chapter by defining right as co-extensive with power. The right of each individual thing is then an expression of its power, mediated by the power of Nature as a whole. The critical import of this is that no one can renounce their right. This extends to each individual's capacity to calculate their utility. Thus, everyone seeks their own advantage. This principle stands or falls on the claim to always be in operation. However, Spinoza includes the slave as a figure who lacks precisely this capacity. The slave is defined as one who is submitted to an external judgement an thus 'cannot see or do what is good'.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English