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Single Idea 1588

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied ]

Full Idea

Aristotle would be perfectly happy with the idea that the eyes are for the purpose of seeing. Spinoza would disagree. The objects of the world, including parts of living organisms, have purposes, but obey the laws of mechanical necessity.

Gist of Idea

For Spinoza eyes don't act for purposes, but follow mechanical necessity

Source

comment on Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675]) by David Roochnik - The Tragedy of Reason p.79

Book Reference

Roochnik,David: 'The Tragedy of Reason: the Platonic logos' [Routledge 1990], p.79


A Reaction

My view is that eyes wouldn't exist if they didn't see, which places them in a different category from inorganic matter.