Abstract

This thesis argues that Spinoza develops a dynamic theory of the Body Politic in his principal works: Ethics (1985), Theological-Political Treatise (2016) and Political Treatise (2016). My claim builds on the contributions of Spinoza scholars such as Henry (2015) and Steinberg (2018, 2022). I explore Spinoza’s concept of the Body Politic in the context of early modern philosophy. The analysis includes Spinoza’s conception of the Body, its relationship to the Mind, as well as part of his Theory of Human Nature, relevant to the political dynamics involved in the Body Politic: affects, passions, and desire. I spell out why the philosopher argues that Democracy is the best form of government given his Theory of Human Nature. Consequently, the best Body Politic is a democratic one; one that balances among citizen’s affects, passions, disagreements, freedom and equality. Thus, Spinoza has a dynamic theory of the Body Politic that balances all of these elements mentioned. I conclude by providing reasons for my claim as well as summarising the key insights of the thesis and its implications.