Ethics is a philosophical book written by Baruch Spinoza. It was written in Latin. Although it was published posthumously in 1677, it is his most famous work, and is considered his magnum opus. The style and system of the book is, as Spinoza says, "demonstrated in geometrical order", with axioms and definitions followed by propositions.

In Ethics, Spinoza attempts to demonstrate a "fully cohesive philosophical system that strives to provide a coherent picture of reality and to comprehend the meaning of an ethical life. Following a logical step-by-step format, it defines in turn the nature of God, the mind, human bondage to the emotions, and the power of understanding -- moving from a consideration of the eternal, to speculate upon humanity's place in the natural order, freedom, and the path to attainable happiness."¹

One important note to consider studying Ethics is to understand that Spinoza wrote "God or Nature" (Deus sive Natura), where the terms are meant interchangeably. This equivalence can be found in Part IV, Preface and in Part IV, Proposition IV, Proof. If the reader understands "Nature" every time he reads the word "God," then the whole book is clearer. When Einstein said that he believed in the God of Spinoza, he meant that he found happiness when he studied nature.

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Wikisource has original text related to this article:

Ethics (Spinoza)

The Chief Works of Benedict De Spinoza translated by R. H. M. Elwes, 1951:

Volume II; ISBN 0-486-20250-X

The Ethics:

Part One - Concerning God. Table of Contents.

1P1, 1P2, 1P3, 1P4, 1P5, Conclusion.

Part Two - Of the Nature and Origin of the Mind. Table of Contents.

Part Three - Of the Origin and Nature of the Emotions. Table of Contents.

Part Four - Of Human Bondage or the Strength of the Emotions. Table of Contents.

Part Five - On the Power of the Understanding, or of Human Freedom. Table of Contents.

• Latin text, from Vicifons.

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