Why is Spinoza listed amoung the greats?

Answer 1

The great philosophers are on the "short list" because they made the best arguments for seeing things in particular ways. Their positions tend to be so persuasive that they influence the way countless generations thereafter will perceive the world.

In the case of Spinoza, he had a profound influence on the way mankind would view religion against the backdrop of all other things in our lives. His influence was to moderate or soften religious fervor in future generations.

Answer 2

You have an interesting question. Spinoza did not seek to found a sect, and he founded none. Yet all philosophy after him is permeated with his thought. In England, the influence of Spinoza rose on the tide of the Revoultionary movement. Young rebels like Coleridge and Wordworth talked about "Spy-nosa" (which the spy set by the government to watch them took as a reference to his own nasal fatalities) with the same ardor that animated the conversation of Russian intellectuals in the halcycon days of Y Narod. Spinoza has been one of the great philosophers because he leads himself to so many interpretations, and yields new riches at every reading. All profound utterances have varied facets for diverse minds.

Thanks for asking. Have a great day!

Answer 3

Please disregard Third P's answer. It is the most ridiculous assessment of Spinoza I have read to this day.

The greatness of Spinoza lies in the elegant removal of himself from Judaism. He preserved both Judaism and the dignity of philosophy in a method of careful writing that carries forward the Western Tradition.