10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 1 Spinoza – Ethics Four Charles Manekin

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 2 Topics of Discussion The Rejection of Teleology in Ethics The Rejection of Teleology in Ethics The Status of Good and Evil The Status of Good and Evil The “Dictates of Reason” The “Dictates of Reason” Knowledge of God is the Mind’s Greatest Good Knowledge of God is the Mind’s Greatest Good On Human Freedom On Human Freedom

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 3 The Rejection of Teleology in Ethics All talk of the perfection or imperfection of Nature relates to a teleological view. All talk of the perfection or imperfection of Nature relates to a teleological view. People started from artificial models and proceeded to natural ones. People started from artificial models and proceeded to natural ones. When we say that habitation was the final cause of that house, we really mean that habitation is an efficient cause of our appetite. When we say that habitation was the final cause of that house, we really mean that habitation is an efficient cause of our appetite. So ethics will be related to appetite So ethics will be related to appetite

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 4 The Rejection of the Objective Reality of Good and Evil Good or evil indicate nothing positive in things, considered in themselves. Good or evil indicate nothing positive in things, considered in themselves. They are notions we form because we compare things with each other.They are notions we form because we compare things with each other. But we can form an idea of man as a model for us to strive for But we can form an idea of man as a model for us to strive for Good is that which we know certainly to lead us to that model Good is that which we know certainly to lead us to that model Bad is that which we know certainly to lead us away from that model. Bad is that which we know certainly to lead us away from that model. Here is where a rationalist ethics comes inHere is where a rationalist ethics comes in

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 5 On Human Bondage Why are we so weak when it comes to acting according to our best interest? Why are we so weak when it comes to acting according to our best interest? The first 18 propositions of Ethics 4 argue why we must be weakThe first 18 propositions of Ethics 4 argue why we must be weak Knowledge along cannot dissipate the strength of an emotion. Knowledge along cannot dissipate the strength of an emotion. The analogy with our perception of the sun. Imaginations are not dispelled by the presence of a true idea. The analogy with our perception of the sun. Imaginations are not dispelled by the presence of a true idea. How do you ease the depressions of somebody who has watched the Terps lose? How do you ease the depressions of somebody who has watched the Terps lose?

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 6 The Dictates of Reason The foundation of virtue is this very striving to preserve one’s being. The foundation of virtue is this very striving to preserve one’s being. Happiness consists in man’s being able to preserve his being.Happiness consists in man’s being able to preserve his being. Living according to reason maximizes one’s happinessLiving according to reason maximizes one’s happiness There is nothing more preferable or useful for us than virtue. There is nothing more preferable or useful for us than virtue.

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 7 The Community of Interest In another sense, self-sacrifice is possible – when one talks of the community of interest. In another sense, self-sacrifice is possible – when one talks of the community of interest. Men who are governed my reason want nothing for themselves that they do not desire for other men.Men who are governed my reason want nothing for themselves that they do not desire for other men. Hence, they are just and honorable. Hence, they are just and honorable. When self-sacrifice is not altruism but the sacrifice of the part for the sake of the whole.When self-sacrifice is not altruism but the sacrifice of the part for the sake of the whole.

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 8 When is it preferable to prefer pain over pleasure? The theory of partial pains and partial pleasures (p ) The theory of partial pains and partial pleasures (p ) it is not sufficient that there be pleasure in any one part of body/mind to the exclusion of other parts. it is not sufficient that there be pleasure in any one part of body/mind to the exclusion of other parts. There may be pleasures which damage the body. There may be pleasures which damage the body. pleasure can be excessive and evil.pleasure can be excessive and evil.

10/21/2015 Modern Philosophy PHIL320 9 On Human Freedom Free action is acting autonomously, according to the dictates of one’s own nature and not under compulsion from external forces. Free action is acting autonomously, according to the dictates of one’s own nature and not under compulsion from external forces. Remember we act when we are the adequate cause of our actions. Remember we act when we are the adequate cause of our actions. Free action is not a result of passions or emotions Free action is not a result of passions or emotions How Freedom is compatible with rigid determinism. How Freedom is compatible with rigid determinism.