Spinoza

 

 

From The Tractatus Politicus

Chapter I - Introduction

(Page 1) – (studying politics impartially; as a manifestion of human nature)

Page 2 – (men do not act according to reason but from their general nature)

Chapter II – on Natural Right

Page 1 – (everything that is in nature has a right to be there)

Page 2 – (self-preservation is the proper goal for each person)

Page 3 – (man's free will results in actions which tend to preserve his existence)

Page 4 – (on dominion and Natural Law)

Page 5 – (on freedom and restraining the emotions)

Page 6 – (nothing can be done to alter the eternal decrees of (Deus sive Natura))

Chapter III – of the right of supreme authorities

Page 1 – (general decrees of the commonwealth take precedence over individual rights)

Page 2 – (reason dictates that living under law provides greater freedom for the individual)

Page 3 – (the power and rights of the commonwealth)

Page 4 – (religion should be free from civil authority)

Page 5 – (conclusion of Chapter III - on the relations of one commonwealth to another

Chapter IV – of the functions of supreme authorities

Page 1 – (on affairs of state)

Page 2 – (a commonwealth does wrong when it acts against the dictate of reason)

Page 3 – (civil law cannot be broken without loss of the commonwealth)

Chapter V – of the best state of a dominion

Page 1 – (if a state lacks peace and order it is a failure as a commonwealth)

Page 2 – (freedom not slavery is necessary for a peaceful commonwealth)

Chapter VI – of monarchy

Page 1 –  (government by one man is not for the general welfare)

Page 2 – (kings rule from fear, liberty may be achieved if their power is constrained by the people)

Chapter VIII – of aristocracy

Page 1 – (of the formation and operation of two councils of patricians to rule the state)

Chapter XI – of democracy

Page 1 – (of democracy – all citizens may vote)

Page 2 – (of women and democracy)