running with harlots drunk or naked: Spinoza: The Strength of the Emotions: Definitions

Monday, November 18, 2013

Spinoza: The Strength of the Emotions: Definitions

good

that which we certainly know to be useful to us

we have no certain knowledge –

all knowledge is open to question – open to doubt –

uncertain

‘good’ – is an unknown –

we expect will resolve our doubts

however any such result –

will be open to question –

open to doubt –

uncertain

bad

that which we certainly know will prevent us partaking any good

we have no certain knowledge –

‘bad’ is an unknown

regarding that which will prevent us from resolving our doubts –

we will have an expectation

whatever the result –

it will be open to question –

open to doubt –

uncertain

contingent

individual things as contingent

in so far as we regard their essence alone –

we find no necessity

what exists is a function of description –

to be is to be described

any description –

is open to question –

open to doubt –

uncertain

possible

individual things –

as to the causes by which they must be produced –

we know not whether they are determined to produce them

yes – we don’t know what is possible

any statement of what is possible –

is speculation

what is contingent –

is a statement of what is

what is possible –

is a statement of what could be

any statement is open to question –

open to doubt –

is uncertain

contrary emotions

those which draw a man in different directions

this is uncertainty

short of pretence and delusion –

we are always –

in a state of uncertainty

emotion towards a thing future past or present

from PROP. XVIII Proof –

that is the disposition of the body or emotion is the same whether the image of the thing be present past or future

perhaps there is what Wittgenstein called a ‘family resemblance’ –

but the same? – that is a stretch –

is anyone going to seriously suggest –

that the disposition of the body –

remains the same through time?

the real point is –

what meaning we give to an image –

regardless of time and place –

will be open to question –

open to doubt –

uncertain

end

by end with which we do anything I understand a desire

yes

virtue and power

the same thing

virtue in so far as it has reference to man is his essence or nature –

in so far as he has the power of effecting something which can only be understood by the laws of his nature

in the words of Paul Feyerabend –

‘anything goes’