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Document Details : Title: Spinoza on Divinization Author(s): VEEGER, Sybrand Journal: Tijdschrift voor Filosofie Volume: 87 Issue: 2 Date: 2025 Pages: 347-369 DOI: 10.2143/TVF.87.2.3295276 Abstract : Spinoza defines 'pride' (superbia) as a delirious species of self-love (E3p26s). Moreover, in the Political Treatise he claims that 'pride is what sets rulers apart' (TP 27.7). Proud leaders, in turn, propagate hatred and violence in society. However, the causal mechanism behind the emergence of superbia remains puzzling. Given Spinoza’s peculiar definition of love, how is self-love possible in the first place? What accounts for the excessive nature of this delirious species of self-love? Why exactly does it cause the self-divinization of theological-political leaders? Through a combined reading of the Ethics and of Spinoza’s political works, this paper reconstructs the affective dynamics that give rise to the divinization of monarchs and of religious leaders. |
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