Ontology and Democracy in Baruch Spinoza

Abstract

This article will analyze the importance of the concept of democracy within the writings of Baruch Spinoza. In order to do so, this concept will be examined from two different perspectives. On one hand, this concept will be studied within the classical contract theory. On the other hand, a review will be made in regards to how Spinoza shows democracy as an onthological problem in his writings. This article aims to characterize the importance that onthology plays in his political thoughts. Its main hypothesis is that one can find an original way of thinking about democracy within the analysis of the relationship between ethics and politics.