ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the reader to Spinoza’s metaphysical system, which is firmly grounded in his substance monism. This is done in relation to Cartesian metaphysics as Spinoza’s philosophy engages in a critical dialogue with Descartes. Having done so, it goes on to summarize Spinoza’s anti-humanist account of human nature and the moral theory that flows from this. It then sets the stage for the coming discussion on education and Spinoza’s ethics of self-preservation, drawing on some recent work highlighting the central place of ethics within Spinoza’s overall philosophy. The chapter closes by introducing the mental health perspective on education, arguing that the educational implications of Spinoza’s philosophy suggests that education concerns the promotion of mental health and the combating of mental illness.
