Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was a Dutch philosopher who combined rationalism and metaphysics to create a unique system of thought. Spinoza was held up as an atheist philosopher in the 18th century, but this is not an entirely accurate representation of his views since he did not deny the existence of God but only theorised that he might be different from the orthodox view of most Jews and Christians. An advocate for religious toleration, Spinoza's redefinition of God won him anything but toleration for his views in his own lifetime.
More about: Baruch Spinoza6 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2026
It costs $20,000 a year to run our servers, and we need your help to pay for them!
$14350 / $20000
Definition
Timeline
-
1632 - 1677Life of the philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
-
24 Nov 1632Baruch Spinoza is born in Amsterdam.
-
Jul 1656Baruch Spinoza is excommunicated by the Jewish community in Amsterdam.
-
1663Baruch Spinoza publishes his Principles of Descartes' Philosophy and Metaphysical Thoughts.
-
1670Baruch Spinoza publishes his Tractatus theologica-politicus.
-
1677Ethics by Baruch Spinoza is published.
-
21 Feb 1677Baruch Spinoza dies in The Hague.
