Imagination and superstition in the Theological-Political Treatise (Chap. I to XV)

Abstract

In this article, we intend to demonstrate that from chapter I to XV in the TTP imagination and superstition are interrelated to the feeling of fear for Espinosa as the fear and superstition reveal the possibility of a confusing and inadequate expression of imagination in the mind which shall be noted that not always work in a negative way. As a matter of fact, in general, superstition and the excessive belief in the power of imagination are caused by the fear of future misfortune. Religion, built on such foundation, in other words, from the idea of a contingent God whose image is contaminated by superstition, becomes a kind of shelter from fear, undermining thus men’s potency of action. However, differently from what someone may think, not only is the effect the darkening of reason in favor of a life ruled by this kind of religion, but there are also political implications towards this relation among fear, imagination and superstition. According to Espinosa, the more the mystery there is in a religion, the more fear it will be possible to inculcate into men’s mind, opening, thus a door to manipulation and domination in the metaphysical-theological field as well as in politics.