A Physics of Mental Life: Spinoza's Use of the Geometrical Method and his Scientific Theory of the Emotions 公开

Haas, Julia Simone (2011)

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Abstract

Abstract
A Physics of Mental Life:
Spinoza's Use of the Geometrical Method and his Scientific Theory of the Emotions
By Julia Haas
This thesis introduces the geometrical method as an interpretive framework for examining and
elucidating key features of Part III of Spinoza's Ethics. In doing so, it presents Part III as a modern,
penetrating and deeply coherent account of the human emotions. Specifically, it aims to: 1) examine
the scientific nature of Spinoza's theory of the emotions, 2) set it apart from strictly descriptive
theories of the emotions, and 3) clarify several of the text's somewhat perplexing features. I argue
that understanding the key components of Spinoza's scientific method helps makes sense of his theory
of the emotions. Spinoza's commitment to the principle of homogeneity explains his decision to
extend rational inquiry to the problem of the emotions, and tracing out his application of the
geometrical method helps uncover his rich, integrative theory of emotional experience. Section I
addresses both of these methodological principles, and defends their role as important conceptual
tools in Spinoza's scientific undertaking. Since the human being stands at the center of Spinoza's
theory of the emotions, Section II begins by considering Spinoza's principle of parallelism, and
explores its deep-seated implications for understanding the nature of the human body and, especial y,
the constitution of the human mind. Final y, Section III builds on these preparatory considerations to
tackle the important connections between Spinoza's use of the geometrical method and his
articulation of a modern, scientific theory of the emotions. It explains how an underlying framework
organizes the seemingly disparate components of Part III, which in turn enabled Spinoza to elucidate
the causal origins and essential properties of the most basic human emotions.

A Physics of Mental Life:
Spinoza's Use of the Geometrical Method and his Scientific Theory of the Emotions
By
Julia Haas
B.A., Concordia University, 2008
Advisor: Ursula Goldenbaum, Ph.D.
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the
James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies of Emory University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Arts
in
Philosophy
2011

Table of Contents







Table of Contents


Introduction








1

Section I - The Principle of Homogeneity and the Geometrical Method


4

1. The Principle of Homogeneity





6
2. The Geometrical Method






7
(i) The Geometrical Method in the Seventeenth Century

9
(ii) Logic







11
(iii) Mos Geometricus





16

Section II - The Human Being






20
1. The Principle of Parallelism





21
2. The Body







23
3. The Mind







26

Section III - A Physics of Mental Life






30
1. Vis Existendi







34
2. Projection on to Objects






38
3. Behavior: Affirmation and Negation




38
4. Human Interactions






39
5. Definitions







40

Conclusion - Spinoza's Theory of the Emotions as a Model for Future Inquiry

41






















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