Single Idea 8018

[catalogued under 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 3. Value of Truth]

Full Idea

Spinoza's life unites philosophy and practice; he manifests that very impersonal love of truth which he proclaims in his writings as the highest human value.

Gist of Idea

Spinoza's life shows that love of truth which he proclaims as the highest value

Source

comment on Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675]) by Alasdair MacIntyre - A Short History of Ethics Ch.10

Book Reference

MacIntyre,Alasdair: 'A Short History of Ethics' [Routledge 1967], p.140


A Reaction

Spinoza has become a secular saint in our times. If the big three values are Beauty, Goodness and Truth, why should the third be given top status? I once heard a philosopher say that truth was the only value.