Motif Academy Journal of Folklore

Abstract

As a basic principle, Spinoza distinguished clearly between
theology and philosophy, accentuating the prevalence of inherent rules within
each discipline. However, seen from a linguistic perspective, he considered the
philosophical language to be more adequate to give a more accurate definition
of specific terms, such as proof, axiom, or definition per se. Having set the
philosophical language as a basic guideline, the significance of the method is
far more crucial. The most obvious example of this approach is delivered by
former philosophers, theologians who announced "the kingdom of man in the
kingdom of nature". Therefore Spinoza postulates axiomatic concepts for a
better understanding of human nature to be the starting point. Thus, first of
all, the origin and the nature of human emotions have to be analyzed in
accordance with the laws of determinism. By putting an emphasis on emotions and
their significant influence on humans to grasp the nature of man, it can be
said that Spinoza had also an effect on the Cartesian philosophy.For Spinoza,
Conatus is the concept which forms the actual essence of man's nature according
to which Conatus produces the spark creating the entire universe or rather the
power of existence as an activity. It prepares the basis for the life of man to
start off immediately and not at any indefinite time. What is more, this power
of existence burning in a human being is important for the transition from the
aspect of expression to expression itself. In this sense, this endeavor
creating the living power represents the origin of appetite or consciousness of
desire which is described as the essence of man's nature. In other words, when
human body and mind are concerned, endeavor results in desire. If solely the
mind was involved, the concept of will would become manifest. Conatus connects
humans to their innate feelings, such as desire, joy and sorrow. Desire
expresses the very nature of man. Man is constantly experiencing situations in
which he is either an outsider, a passive individual, or a self-directed
individual assigning meaning to his experiences. Accordingly, most of the time,
man’s idea is grounded in his perception or respectively reaction. Something is
not good as such, for the positive value man attaches to it makes it good and
creates a feeling of joy. Likewise, nothing is bad, however, distancing oneself
from something produces a sense of sorrow. As a consequence, according to the
manifestations of desire, grief, egoism, carelessness, joy, good-naturedness,
courage, etc. become apparent. Hence, is freedom a desire created in the same
way? Is freedom then an illusion of man's nature? Spinoza claims that free will
or illusion, both tell us the same thing. Having been raised believing in free
will, free will is associated with the concept of perfection. Yet, a stone
regarding itself to be free in the air, does not prevent it from falling, just
as a human’s heading to the door is nothing else but the obvious desire to step
out the door. This paper will show how in man's attempt to exist, feelings like
joy, and grief express themselves, and how man's desire determines his very own
existence. As to freedom or illusion, this paper will shed light on the modern
man himself.