Single Idea 17170

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 3. Types of Properties]

Full Idea

By 'attribute' I understand that which the intellect perceives of substance, as if constituting its essence.

Gist of Idea

An 'attribute' is what the intellect takes as constituting an essence

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Def 4)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.3


A Reaction

Note that we would call these 'properties', but Spinoza has a word reserved for the properties of essences. He also has 'modes' of a thing, which are different.

Related Idea

Idea 17171 A 'mode' is an aspect of a substance, and conceived through that substance [Spinoza]