The Journal for the Philosophy of Language, Mind and the Arts

CALL FOR PAPERS (JOLMA 7 | 1 | 2026)

Spinoza on Language

Editor: Emanuela Scribano

Although not systematic, Spinoza’s investigation on the origin, function, and cognitive value of language is present in all of his works. In TIE, KV, and E, language is linked to imagination and inadequate knowledge. In E, language also becomes the example par excellence of the association of ideas, therefore of memory and imaginative knowledge. Dependent on the association between bodily affections, the sign-meaning connection does not express the essence of things and can vary according to individual experiences. For this reason, the same word does not necessarily correspond to the same meaning. Moreover, a word does not always correspond to an idea, perhaps inadequate, but susceptible to univocal definition, as is the case of words that express universal notions. In cases of extreme philosophical importance, Spinoza considers language to directly express the most common prejudices. In all these texts, language proves to be the instrument of communication in the absence of adequate ideas, and an organ of expression of imaginative knowledge. If language is the repository of the errors of the imagination, philosophy must first address the beliefs deposited in linguistic uses, and second, try to oppose them. In doing so, however, it is forced to use the same language modeled on inadequate knowledge. The problem of expressing true ideas through language gave rise to opposite interpretations by D. Savan (“Spinoza and Language”, The Philosophical Review, 1958) and G. H. R Parkinson, “Language and knowledge in Spinoza.” Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy, 1969), and was recently taken up again by Celine Hervet, De l’imagination à l’entendement: la puissance du langage chez Spinoza, Paris, Garnier 2012. Although the analysis of errors related to language invites a close comparison with other contemporary theories of language, such as that of Thomas Hobbes, this subject has not received much attention in studies devoted to Spinoza’s theory of language. 

The analysis of language in the TTP and in the Hebrew Grammar is different in purpose from the analysis carried out in other works. In TTP, it is not a question of bringing out the inadequacy of the ideas that correspond to ordinary language, but of identifying exactly the meanings of the Hebrew language, whether they are adequate ideas or not. By ignoring the linguistic habits of Hebrew, one risks attributing to the speakers and to the words used by the authors meanings and intentions that were not those of the authors themselves. The philosophical implications of Hebrew Grammar are rarely discussed by the scholars, but this work deserves a deep investigation as an example of scientific study of a language. The Italian translation of the Compendium of Hebrew Grammar, edited by Pina Totaro (Firenze, Olschki 2012) encourages to delve deeper into this aspect of Spinoza's thought.  Finally, the political use of language underlined in TTP deserves closer attention, as Laurent Bove has suggested (L. Bove, “L’Enseignement philosophique”, La théorie du langage chez Spinoza 1991).

This journal issue aims to expand our knowledge of Spinoza's views on language, its cognitive function, its role in orienting beliefs, its cultural meaning, its relationship with truth and with different cultural contexts. Contributions may address one or more topics related to this Call and focus on Spinoza's works, his relationship with contemporary or antecedent theories of language, his reception, or his relevance to present-day philosophical debates.

Invited Contributors:

- Filippo Mignini

- Pierre-François Moreau

- Steven Nadler

- Pina Totaro

Submission deadline: April 30th, 2026

Notification of acceptance: June 30th, 2026

Articles must be written in English and should not exceed 6,500 words (40,000 characters approx.). The instructions for authors can be consulted in the journal’s website: Editorial Guidelines.

Submissions must be suitable for blind review. Each submission should also include a brief abstract of no more than 650 words and five keywords for indexing purposes. Notification of intent to submit, including both a title and a brief summary of the content, will be greatly appreciated, as it will assist with the coordination and planning of the issue.

For any question, please use the following address: Emanuela Scribano (emanuela.scribano@unive.it) or the journal (jolma_editor@unive.it).

Please submit your proposals to the email jolma_editor@unive.it or using the section ‘Submit’ of the journal’s website.