Single Idea 17207

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

By 'good' I understand everything which we are certain is a means by which we may approach nearer and nearer to the model of human nature we set before us.

Gist of Idea

By 'good' I mean what brings us ever closer to our model of human nature

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pref)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.163


A Reaction

Unusual, and I'm not sure I understand it. His ideal largely concerns the intellect ruling the emotion