Spinoza Metaphysics and Ethics Review

Flashcards covering Ethical Absolutism vs. Relativism and Spinoza's metaphysics, definitions of Substance, Mode, Essence, and views on Human Thinking and Ethics.

How is Ethical Absolutism defined in the notes?

The view that moral standards are universal and do not change, meaning what is right and wrong are the same for everyone.

How is Ethical Relativism defined in the notes?

The view that moral standards depend on the person or situation, meaning what is right or wrong can vary.

Who was Baruch Spinoza, and when and where was he born?

A consequentialist philosopher born in 1632-1677 in Amsterdam, Holland.

What are the two key points about Baruch Spinoza's theory mentioned in the notes?

(1) In order to understand his ethics you need to understand his metaphysics; (2) His theory is abstract and focuses on God.

What is Metaphysics?

The branch of philosophy that deals with the ultimate reality or truth.

How does Spinoza define Substance (God/nature)?

What something really is at its most fundamental level in reality; it does not change and does not depend on anything else to exist.

What is a Mode in Spinoza's philosophy, and what examples are given?

Anything or event that takes on a shape; examples include your body, nature, or an ice cube.

What is an Essence according to the lecture notes?

What something really is that does not change (unchanging essence).

What does Self-caused mean in Spinoza's metaphysics?

Existing because of itself, not something else (for example, God/nature exists because of itself and does not depend on anything else to exist).

What are God's characteristics according to Spinoza?

God is everything, perfect, does not interfere in human life, and is all good, all knowing, and all powerful.

What are the two types of human thinking according to Spinoza?

(1) Imagination: lower type of thinking that only focuses on images/modes; (2) Rationality: higher type of thinking that understands substance/God.

What examples of Imagination are provided in the notes?

Colors, shapes, rumors, and humans.

How is Rational Thinking defined in the notes?

Using logical reasoning instead of reacting emotionally.

In Spinoza's consequentialist view of ethics, what is considered 'Good'?

Preserving yourself and your life (with examples such as not smoking and not driving recklessly).

How does Spinoza explain human freedom if humans are just modes in God's perfection?

You are free when you act in ways to preserve your life and use your rational thinking/rationality to understand God's perfection.