This thesis considers the statement made by Spinoza in his Ethics (E2d6) where he states "By reality and perfection I understand the same". Commentators have considered this statement to be...Show moreThis thesis considers the statement made by Spinoza in his Ethics (E2d6) where he states "By reality and perfection I understand the same". Commentators have considered this statement to be puzzling and problematic. The main problem for Spinoza scholars is that he goes too far in the direction of identity and therefore becomes unable to account for difference. In what follows I argue that this is only the case if one reads the identity of reality and perfection superficially. A more careful reading suggests that the statement is not a contradiction because Spinoza does elaborate a theory of becoming, with the notions of perfection and power of action as its core. In the light of this interpretation, my argument is that E2d6 is not contradictory because Spinoza's notions of perfection and reality are both identified with becoming.Show less
