Spinoza on the Essence, Mutability and Power of God

Philosophy and Theology 11 (1):71-84 (1998)
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Abstract

This paper argues that Spinoza makes a distinction between the constitutive essence of God (the totality of His attributes) and the essence of God per se (His power and causal efficacy). Using this distinction, I explain how Spinoza can conceive of God as being both an immutable simple unity and a subject for constantly changing modes. Spinoza believes that God qua Natura Naturans is immutable, while God qua Natura Naturata is not. With this point established, Curley’s claim that Spinozistic modes are causally dependent on but not properties of God loses much of its attraction. In conclusion, I suggest how God’s essence is related to His attributes and His modes.

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Nick Okrent
University of Pennsylvania

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References found in this work

A Study of Spinoza's Ethics.Jonathan Bennett - 1984 - Critica 16 (48):110-112.
Spinoza's Metaphysics: An Essay in Interpretation.Edwin M. Curley - 1969 - Cambridge,: Harvard University Press.
Spinoza.Don Garrett - 1991 - Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 51 (4):952-955.
A Study of Spinoza's Ethics.Jonathan Bennett - 1986 - Philosophy 61 (235):125-128.
Spinoza.Alan Donagan - 1989 - Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

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