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Single Idea 5639

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / b. Need for substance ]

Full Idea

Without the notion of substance, according to Spinoza, thought itself becomes impossible.

Gist of Idea

Spinoza implies that thought is impossible without the notion of substance

Source

report of Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675]) by Roger Scruton - Short History of Modern Philosophy §5.2

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'A Short History of Modern Philosophy' [ARK 1985], p.52


A Reaction

Spinoza's strategy here looks like the right way to approach metaphysics. To what extent is it possible to change our conceptual scheme? Quine seems to imply that there is no limit; Davidson seems to imply that it is impossible.