The Problem Of Authority: Maimonides And Spinoza

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Many political philosophers attempt to answer the problem of authority in society, many within the context of religion, as Maimonides and Spinoza did when offering solutions to this problem. The problem of authority is a paradox, that there can be no authority without determination and no determination without authority. Meaning that there cannot be an authority without a determination (a prior decision or ruling) and a prior decision or a determination cannot be made without an ultimate authority. The problem of authority has been reviewed and addressed by many philosophers hoping to offer a suitable answer to this paradox. This is a predicament that both Maimonides and Spinoza discuss and attempt to answer in their work. Maimonides and Spinoza …show more content…

He believes the sovereign ruler is an individual in power and has the power to determine the religion practiced. The relationship between the ruler and its subjects is based on the ruler considering their wants and needs. “To protect their position and retain power, they are very much obliged to work for the common good and direct all things by the dictate of reason,” (Spinoza 200) meaning that Spinoza views the sovereign ruler as an individual whose job is to direct and guide the public. Spinoza believes these rulers to be rational and that the rulers consider the best interest of their subjects. Therefore, the relationship, according to Spinoza, between the ruler, delegates, and subjects is essentially a revocable contract. The ruler according to Spinoza also has the power to determine on religious matters while not being a religious ruler. “...it is the subjects’ duty, as we have said, to carry out its command, and acknowledge no law other than what the highest power proclaims as law.” (Spinoza 201). The ruler is expected to follow the common best interest therefore the ruler’s subjects should be obedient and follow the ruler’s laws. Spinoza is clearly describing a more secular society. Spinoza also discusses the concept of a free state and how a subject and the authority interact within a free state, “…the individual may say and teach what he thinks without infringing the right and authority of the sovereign power that is, without disturbing the stability of the state.” (Spinoza 253). Spinoza supports a free state even if he does see the drawbacks; he claims that too much legal control over individuals can have more drawbacks than a free state. A free state is what allows individuals to be loyal to their state and remain in peace with their authority, versus being oppressed by laws and losing their faith in their leader. Spinoza believes a ruler, to be efficient, has to keep in mind his subjects’ best

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