Improvement of the Understanding by Benedictus de Spinoza
page 16 of 57 (28%)
page 16 of 57 (28%)
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the idea of Peter. (6) This is the same as saying that, in order
to know, there is no need to know that we know, much less to know that we know that we know. (7) This is no more necessary than to know the nature of a circle before knowing the nature of a triangle. [n]. (8) But, with these ideas, the contrary is the case: for, in order to know that I know, I must first know. [35] (1) Hence it is clear that certainty is nothing else than the subjective essence of a thing: in other words, the mode in which we perceive an actual reality is certainty. (2) Further, it is also evident that, for the certitude of truth, no further sign is necessary beyond the possession of a true idea: for, as I have shown, it is not necessary to know that we know that we know. (3) Hence, again, it is clear that no one can know the nature of the highest certainty, unless he possesses an adequate idea, or the subjective essence of a thing: certainty is identical with such subjective essence. [36] (1) Thus, as the truth needs no sign - it being to possess the subjective essence of things, or, in other words, the ideas of them, in order that all doubts may be removed - it follows that the true method does not consist in seeking for the signs of truth after the acquisition of the idea, but that the true method teaches us the order in which we should seek for truth itself, [o] or the subjective essences of things, or ideas, for all these expressions are synonymous. [37] (1) Again, method must necessarily be concerned with reasoning or understanding - I mean, method is not identical with reasoning in the search for causes, still less is it |
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