Philosophical Works · Chapter
LXIV explained
This chapter explains how thought and extension can be distinctly conceived as modes of substance, not as substances themselves.
What happens
This chapter explains how thought and extension can be distinctly conceived as modes of substance, not as substances themselves. It emphasizes that when considered as modes inherent in substance, they are clearly and distinctly understood, but if separated from substance, they are mistakenly regarded as self-subsisting things, leading to confusion between mode and substance.
Themes in this chapter
Mind-Body Dualism
The chapter discusses thought and extension as modes of substance, reinforcing the dualistic separation of mind and body.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The narrator explains the distinction between modes and substance regarding thought and extension.
Key passages
“Thought and extension may be also considered as modes of substance; in as far, namely, as the same mind may have many different thoughts, and the same body, with its size unchanged, may be extended in several diverse ways...”
Thought and extension can be seen as modes of substance because the same mind can have many thoughts and the same body can change its shape while staying the same size.
Clarifies how thought and extension are modes, not independent substances.
“For by regarding them as in the substances of which they are the modes, we distinguish them from these substances, and take them for what in truth they are: whereas, on the other hand, if we wish to consider them apart from the substances in which they are, we should by this itself regard them as self-subsisting things, and thus confound the ideas of mode and substance.”
When we see them as modes within substances, we understand them correctly; but if we try to consider them separately, we mistakenly treat them as independent substances, mixing up mode and substance.
Highlights the danger of confusing modes with substances.