Spinoza on God Flashcards
What is substance in Spinoza’s philosophy?
Substance is something that exists in itself and is conceived through itself, independent of any other conception. It’s the fundamental reality from which everything else derives.
This concept highlights the independence of substance from other entities.
Define attributes as per Spinoza.
Attributes are what the intellect perceives as constituting the essence of substance. They are the infinite and eternal properties of substance
Attributes are essential characteristics that define a substance.
What are modes in Spinoza’s framework?
Modes are modifications of substance, existing in and conceived through something else.
Modes represent the various expressions or states that a substance can take.
How does Spinoza define God?
God is an absolutely infinite substance, encompassing infinite attributes, each expressing eternal and infinite essentiality.
This definition emphasizes the completeness and boundlessness of God.
Can two substances share the same attribute according to Spinoza?
No, there cannot be two substances with the same attribute.
This principle supports the uniqueness of God as the only substance.
What is the proof of God’s existence in Spinoza’s philosophy?
- No two substances can share an attribute.
- There is a substance with infinite attributes (God).
- Therefore, God’s existence precludes the existence of any other substance.
This logical argument is foundational to Spinoza’s metaphysics.
What are the two known attributes of God?
Thought and extension. These attributes signify that God is both a thinking entity and a physical entity.
What do infinite modes express?
Infinite modes express the absolute nature of God’s attributes directly. Infinite modes are seen as the purest forms of God’s attributes.
How do finite modes differ from infinite modes?
Infinite modes express the absolute nature of God’s attributes directly. Finite modes express the attributes in a specific and determinate way. Physical things are finite modes of extension, and ideas are finite modes of thought
Finite modes are the particular manifestations of God’s attributes in the world.
What are the two aspects of Nature in Spinoza’s philosophy?
- Natura naturans (naturing Nature)
- Natura naturata (natured Nature)
These aspects illustrate the dynamic and static elements of Nature as equated with God.
What is necessitarianism in Spinoza’s thought?
God acts according to the necessity of his own nature, not out of free will or choice.
This concept implies that everything, including human actions, is determined by God’s nature.
What does Spinoza reject in terms of anthropomorphism?
Spinoza rejects the Judeo-Christian concept of a transcendent creator God. He argues that God is not a goal-oriented planner or judge. There are no miracles, as God acts according to the necessary course of nature
He argues against viewing God as a planner or judge.
True or False: Spinoza believes in miracles.
False.
Spinoza argues that God acts according to the necessary course of nature, implying no miracles occur.
How does Spinoza relate God to Nature?
Spinoza equates God with Nature (Deus, sive Natura). He distinguishes between Natura naturans (naturing Nature) and Natura naturata (natured Nature). Natura naturans is the active, productive aspect, encompassing God and his attributes. Natura naturata encompasses all modes of God’s attributes, existing within and dependent on God
