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Baruch or Benedict de Spinoza (November 24, 1632 – February 21, 1677) was a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Jewish origin. Revealing considerable scientific aptitude, the breadth and importance of Spinoza's work was not fully realized until years after his death. Today, he is considered one of the great rationalists of 17th-century philosophy, laying the groundwork for the 18th century Enlightenment and modern biblical criticism. By virtue of his magnum opus, the posthumous Ethics, in which he opposed Descartes' mind–body dualism, Spinoza is considered to be one of Western philosophy's most important philosophers. Philosopher and historian Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel said of all modern philosophers, "You are either a Spinozist or not a philosopher at all."
Baruch Spinoza in 1632[]
During Spain's attack on Amsterdam, the infant Baruch Spinoza was orphaned when his parents were killed by cannon fire. The infant was declared herem by the city's rabbis after they had learned about his historical philosophical role. The rabbis turned Spinoza over to Rebecca Abrabanel to be adopted. Various members of the Grantville delegation were intrigued by the possibilities the infant Spinoza presented, especially since he was now likely to grow up among Americans. [Rebecca Abrabanel] and [Michael Stearns] occasionally spar over Mike's goal of ensuring that "Barry" is raised as a proper hillbilly.
It has been noted[4] that, since he was conceived after the Ring of Fire, his genetics are probably not exactly the same as those of the OTL's Baruch Spinoza, though they are likely to be very similar.
Also, Grantville had at least some of the works of the OTL's Spinoza.[5]
References[]
- ↑ http://www.geni.com/people/Miriam-Spinoza/6000000013340826467
- ↑ Listing in Dutch Wikipedia indicates that she was younger than Baruch, but her DOB is unknown.
- ↑ Neither are mentioned, but Isaac is almost certainly pre-RoF, and Miriam definitely is.
- ↑ 1634: The Galileo Affair, ch. 6
- ↑ 1632, ch. 26