Spinoza's Geometry of PowerThis work examines the unique way in which Benedict de Spinoza (1632–77) combines two significant philosophical principles: that real existence requires causal power and that geometrical objects display exceptionally clearly how things have properties in virtue of their essences. Valtteri Viljanen argues that underlying Spinoza's psychology and ethics is a compelling metaphysical theory according to which each and every genuine thing is an entity of power endowed with an internal structure akin to that of geometrical objects. This allows Spinoza to offer a theory of existence and of action - human and non-human alike - as dynamic striving that takes place with the same kind of necessity and intelligibility that pertain to geometry. Viljanen's fresh and original study will interest a wide range of readers in Spinoza studies and early modern philosophy more generally. |
Contents
| 1 | |
| 8 | |
Causation and geometry | 33 |
Power existence activity | 54 |
The derivation of the conatus doctrine | 83 |
The meaning of the conatus doctrine | 105 |
Geometrical dynamics of individuality | 145 |
Conclusion | 177 |
| 181 | |
| 191 | |
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Common terms and phrases
absolutely infinite according actual essence adequate appetite argue argument Aristotelian Aristotle basic Bennett body Carriero causal power causally efficacious Chene claims conatus doctrine conatus principle conceived concept of power constituted Curley definition derived Descartes Descartes’s determined discussion dynamic Edwin Curley efficient cause emanation emphasis added entities essential essentialist Ethics everything explicated expresses extension external causes fact field metaphysical final cause finite modes finite things formal cause formal essences Garrett geometrical objects God’s essence God’s nature God’s power Huenemann idea individual inertial infinite insofar intellect interpretation intrinsic power kind Koistinen late scholastic Leibniz mind monistic Moreover motion necessarily necessitarianism necessity notion of power one’s ontological passage pertaining philosophical power of acting properties proposition Rocca scholastic singular thing Spinoza Spinoza’s system Spinoza’s theory Spinoza’s thought Spinoza’s view Spinozistic striving to persevere structure Suárez substance substantial form t]he teleological temporal thing’s traditional triangle understanding virtue