Single Idea 17169

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / a. Ontological Proof]

Full Idea

By cause of itself, I understand that, whose essence involves existence; or that, whose nature cannot be conceived unless existing.

Gist of Idea

Some things makes me conceive of it as a thing whose essence requires its existence

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Def 1)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.3


A Reaction

Obviously he has God in mind, but might this apply to abstract existence. Can I conceive of the number seven, while also conceiving that there is no such number? Compare Pegasus.