Spinozism around 1800 and Beyond

Abstract

The main purpose of this chapter is to show that the engagement with Spinozism among modern women philosophers in the German tradition is as strong as in the case of canonical figures. More specifically, the chapter explores the apparent significance of the ethical, liberatory dimension of Spinoza’s thought among several women thinkers in the long nineteenth century. It begins with brief discussions of Elise Reimarus and Charlotte von Stein. It then proceeds to more in-depth treatments of Caroline Michaelis-Böhmer-Schlegel-Schelling and Karoline von Günderrode, in both cases stressing not only that we may learn about each in drawing out the link to Spinoza, but likewise that we may learn about Spinoza in bringing him into dialogue with each (regarding, for instance, the importance of others for self-understanding, as well as the metaphysical and ethical status of death, respectively). The chapter concludes with shorter treatments of several later nineteenth century (or earlier twentieth century) philosophers: Lou Salomé, Resa von Schirnhofer, Anna Tumarkin, and especially Elisabeth Schmitt.