spinoza problem spinoza

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The Rationalists: SpinozaThe Rationalists: SpinozaSubstance, Nature and GodSubstance, Nature and God

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

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OutlineOutline


1. Introduction: Spinoza, Life and Work

2. The Geometrical Method

3. Basic Metaphysics: Substance, Nature and God

4. Conclusion

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Spinoza: Life and WorksSpinoza: Life and Works

Spinoza: - 1632: born, Amsterdam – Jewish Portuguese Modest- 1656 excommunicated – 1660 expelled: religious views- Secluded life (lenses)- 1677 dies La Hague


Work:- Published in his own name: Descartes’ Principles of

Philosophy- Everything else: anonymous or posthumous, including the

Ethics

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Spinoza : Background and AimsSpinoza : Background and Aims

Intellectual Background: Descartes - Takes: Rationalism, new science and rigor of reasoning- Rejects: method, dualism, philosophy of human nature


Ethics:- Abstract, geometrical order- Entirely oriented toward ethics of well being and joy

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OutlineOutline


1. Introduction: Spinoza, Life and Works



4. Conclusion

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The Geometrical OrderThe Geometrical OrderWhat is the geometrical order:- Euclid’s Elements of Geometry- Aristotle’s method of science


Why the geometrical order?- More difficult : analysis vs synthesis- Various explanationsDifferences between Spinoza and Euclid:- Scholia- DefinitionsWhat does guarantee the truth of the definitions? Common Notions

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4. Conclusion

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Substances, Attributes and Modes (1)Substances, Attributes and Modes (1)Basic Metaphysics:Only one fundamental constituent of the world: God, or

Nature. All other beings are modifications of the substance


Substance: =``that which is in itself and is conceived through itself” Exists necessarily, causa sui, infinite, unique of their kindModes:= the ways in which the substance can be ``affected” =

modified Depends on the substance, caused by something else,

multiple

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Substances, Attributes and Modes (2)Substances, Attributes and Modes (2)


Attributes:= the ways in which the substance can be comprehended by

an intellect Aspects of the substance Ex: Thought, extensionModes of the attributes:= the ways in which the modes can be comprehended by an

intellect Aspects of the modes Ex: ideas, bodies

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Substances, Attributes and Modes (3)Substances, Attributes and Modes (3)


Substance:Ocean

Attribute:Wave Movement

Mode:Particular Wave

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Deus sive Natura (God, or Nature)Deus sive Natura (God, or Nature)


God exists necessarily- Ontological argument: God = substance- Modal argument: necessary existence if not impossible- Cosmological argument: finite beings infinite being- Ontological argument (2): God = absolutely perfect The unique substance- Argument: possess all possible attributes, and no two

substances share the same attributes (Identity of Indiscernibles)

- God, or Nature, IS everything and everything is in it

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Eternal Necessity of EverythingEternal Necessity of Everything

Everything exists necessarily as a necessary consequence of God’s nature-Mathematical or Logical necessity-God, or Nature: ``Logical” cause of everythingTwo modes of existence- Substance and its attributes: Natura naturans –

“naturating” nature- Modes and modes of the attributes: Natura naturata –

“naturated nature”

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: God and FreedomGod and Freedom


God did not “create the world by an act of free will”Necessary unfolding of its nature: how is this free?

Spinoza on Freedom - Freedom does not require contingency- Freedom = absence of external constraints and autonomy:

One does what one does for no other cause than oneself

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Basic Metaphysics: Basic Metaphysics: Nature Has No EndsNature Has No Ends


Against traditional religion: “Superstition”Finalist, Anthropomorphic, Human-centered morality, Worship Why do we reason this way? Analogy with ourselvesXenophanes: if cows had Gods, these Gods would have horns

Why is it damageable? Ignorance, Superstition and Unhappiness

Why is it false? Necessary unfolding, God does not lack anything

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4. Conclusion

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Conclusion: Conclusion: Spinoza’s MetaphysicsSpinoza’s Metaphysics


spinoza problem spinoza

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