Spinoza on Mind and Body Flashcards
What are the two distinct attributes of God according to Spinoza?
Extension (matter) and thought (mind)
Spinoza argues that these attributes have no causal interaction between them.
What is the “attribute barrier,” and how does it relate to mind and body?
The attribute barrier refers to the fact that extension and thought, the attributes of God, have nothing in common. This means that the realms of matter and mind are causally closed systems
Explain Spinoza’s theory of mind-body parallelism.
Spinoza argues that there is no causal interaction between bodies and ideas. However, there is a thoroughgoing correlation and parallelism between the two series. For every mode in extension (body), there is a corresponding mode in thought (idea)
What is the basis for the mind-body parallelism in Spinoza’s view?
The unity of Nature or Substance.
What is panpsychism, and how does Spinoza relate it to mind and body?
Panpsychism is the view that everything in the universe has some form of consciousness. Spinoza argues that every material thing has its own particular idea that corresponds to and represents it
What characterizes the idea that represents a material thing according to Spinoza?
The idea is eternal and adequate, reflecting the thing’s essence.
What are inadequate ideas based on?
Sensory images, feelings, and imagination.
What is the difference between adequate and inadequate ideas?
Adequate ideas are formed in a rational and orderly manner, providing true knowledge. Inadequate ideas are imprecise and subjective, providing only a partial and confused picture of reality
What do adequate ideas involve according to Spinoza?
The eternal and infinite essence of God.
What is the implication of having adequate ideas for knowledge of God’s essence?
They enable us to gain adequate knowledge of God’s essence.
Does Spinoza believe in free will?
No, he argues that our ideas and bodily movements are determined.
What leads to the conclusion that there is no free will in Spinoza’s philosophy?
Our will is determined by causes that are themselves determined, leading to an infinite chain.
