Question

There seems little contemporary work on 'fear'. I certainly couldn't see anything which gave it such important a role. But

Fear, in the Ethics, seems to be government’s most valuable means of bringing passionate citizens to cooperate and obey: at IVp37s2, Spinoza suggests that states should rely on threats. In the Theological Political Treatise, however, Spinoza’s accounts of religion, and particularly of miracles and scripture, suggest that devotion devotio, a passion associated with wonder at Ethics IIIp52s, is a better political motive than fear.

Supposing that the good life is under the aspect of eternity and includes participation in a polis etc., then might philosophy - as a search for meaning that is greater than ourselves - be essentially about reducing fear (especially so that we may be creative)?

I think I read somewhere sometime that the enlightenment was essentially about reducing fear of nature. How can we avoid any sado-masochistic consequences to asserting this role to thinking/philosophy?

Answer 1

Spinoza's philosophical propositions highlight the use of fear and devotion in political governance. Philosophy's potential role in reducing fear aligns with Enlightenment goals, supporting human progress and creativity. Rational discourse is key to sidestepping harmful consequences of such aims.

Step-by-step explanation:

The philosophical exploration of themes like fear, cooperation, and obedience has deep roots in Western thought. Baruch Spinoza, in his works such as Ethics and the Theological Political Treatise, suggests that states could utilize fear as a tool to ensure cooperation among citizens (Ethics, IVp37s2) but also proposes that devotion could serve as a stronger political motive than fear (Ethics, IIIp52s).

Considering the philosophical pursuit for the good life, the contemplation of eternity, and the participation in a polis, it could be reasoned that the goal of philosophy may indeed be to mitigate fear to unleash creativity and foster a conducive environment for human flourishing. The Enlightenment era notably emphasized reducing fear of nature, aligning with this quest to enable human progress and well-being free from irrational fears.

The concern over potential sado-masochistic consequences of empowering philosophy to allay fear is a nuanced ethical discussion that contemporarily might be overlooked. Yet, avoiding these consequences aligns with the broader Enlightenment project of utilizing reason to navigate human values without undue reliance on religious beliefs or dogmatic claims.