Theology & Philosophy

Liberty and Toleration in the Writings of Spinoza and Bayle

ABSTRACT

This conference considered the work of Spinoza and Bayle on the question of toleration. One aim of the conference was to understand their arguments in relation to one another. The broad aim, however, was to discuss questions of general and immediate interest to the free society regarding religious toleration. These two thinkers were especially prominent in formulating the structure of that issue.

READING LIST

Conference Readings

Bayle, Pierre. A Philosophical Commentary on These Words of the Gospel, Luke 14.23, "Compel Them to Come In, That My House May Be Full". Edited by John Kilcullen and Chandran Kukathas. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, Inc., 2005.

Bayle, Pierre. Historical and Critical Dictionary (2nd edition), Volume 5. London: Routledge/Thoemmes Press, 1997.

Spinoza, Baruch. Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [Gebhardt Edition, 1925]. Translated by Samuel Shirley. New York: E.J. Brill, 1989.