Description
Book SynopsisThis book is the first book-length study of the nature of time and persistence in Spinoza. It will be of interest to anyone interested in Modern Philosophy or Metaphysics.
Trade ReviewPersistence Through Time in Spinoza is a tough-minded and gracefully-written discussion of some of Spinoza’s most enduring metaphysical insights into the nature of time, material constitution, and temporal continuity. Fully conversant with contemporary literature on space and time, Jason Waller is able to tease out of Spinoza’s texts issues of abiding philosophical concern. -- Daniel H. Frank, Purdue University
Waller’s book is a terrific discussion of the relation between bodies and time in Spinoza’s metaphysics. He insightfully synthesizes historical understanding with recent work in metaphysics and philosophy of science. The resulting argument hangs together as a clever, cohesive, persuasive whole. -- Michael Jacovides, Purdue University
Situating Spinoza’s metaphysics within a contemporary framework, Waller deftly makes a case for the bold thesis that Spinoza is committed to a 4D conception of bodies. One of the chief virtues of Waller’s book is its admirably clear presentation of some central but thorny features of Spinoza’s thought. More generally speaking, I think Waller’s book is a great example of how the right author can, without sacrificing scholarly sophistication, make difficult and technical elements of a philosopher’s system accessible to a wide audience. I highly recommend it. -- Thaddeus Robinson, Muhlenberg College
Table of ContentsChapter One: Spinoza and the Problem of Persistence Chapter Two: The Infinite Intellect and the Case for Eternalism Chapter Three: Human Perception and the Illusion of Temporal Passage Chapter Four: Conatus and a Temporal Parts Metaphysic Chapter Five: The 3D/4D Tension in Spinoza’s Metaphysics Chapter Six: The Persistence of Bodies
