Summary of Spinoza’s Account
of the Emotions in Ethics Part III.
David Banach
Active- change in which we are adequate cause
Passive- change in which we are partial or inadequate cause.
Emotion- Modification of body in which active power of body is increased or diminished. (III, def. 3) Passivity of the soul, a confused idea, whereby the mind affirms concerning its body a force for existence greater or less than before. (III, General Def. Of Emotion)
Action- Emotion of which we are the adequate cause (flows from adequate idea)
Passion- 1. Emotion of which we are inadequate cause (flows from inadequate idea) (2) Passivity of the soul, a confused idea, whereby the mind affirms concerning its body a force for existence greater or less than before. (III, General Def. Of Emotion)
Essence- the endeavor of the thing to persist in existence.
Will- endeavor as referred solely to the mind
Appetite- endeavor as referred to mind and body
Three Primary Emotions
A. Desire- 1. Appetite with consciousness thereof. (III, 9) 2. The essence of man as determined to a particular activity by some modification of it (more comprehensive def. from III, Def, of Emotions) All man’s endeavors, impulses, appetites, and volitions.
B. Pleasure- Passive state wherein the mind passes to greater perfection
Pleasure referred to Body and Mind:
1. Stimulation- One part more affected
2. Merriment- Parts equally affected
C. Pain- - Passive state wherein the mind passes to lesser perfection
Pain referred to Body and Mind:
1. Suffering- One part more affected
2. Melancholy- Parts equally affected
Love- Pleasure accompanied by idea of external cause.
Hate- Pain accompanied by idea of external cause.
Good- Pleasure and what conduces to it. (III, 9, 39)
Evil- Pain and what conduces to it.
Wonder- The conception of anything in which the mind comes to a stand. (Not an emotion) (III, Def. Of Emotions 4)
© 2006 David Banach
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