A doutrina dos afetos no pensamento de Spinoza

Abstract

This paper aims to present the genesis of affects and their characteristics in Spinoza's philosophy. However, to achieve this goal, it is first necessary to discuss the concept of God in his thought, as well as some other related concepts, such as: causa sui, substance, attributes, modes, and the method Spinoza employs to analyze these concepts. Secondly, we will examine the nature of the body and the mind and how they relate to each other despite being of distinct natures. The objective is to challenge the notion defended by many scholars—the idea of mind-body parallelism—in favor of a new perspective: that of a psychophysical unity of body and mind. Finally, thirdly, within this established framework, we will discuss how our affects are formed. We will explore the concept of conatus, a fundamental concept that structures the entire theory of politics and affectivity in Spinozist thought. Additionally, we will analyze the general characterizations of affects, how we can understand them, and their role in our moral decisions both within and outside society.