Single Idea 21861

[catalogued under 16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 2. Knowing the Self]

Full Idea

The mind does not know itself except in so far as it perceives the ideas of the affections of the body.

Gist of Idea

Self-knowledge needs perception of the affections of the body

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Pr 23)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.69


A Reaction

'The ideas of the affections of the body' seems to be twice removed from the actual body, so I am not crystal clear what this says. The idea of knowing yourself with no involvement at all of the body seems absurd.