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[DEFINITIONS]
[D.I] By body I mean a mode which expresses in a certain
determinate manner the essence of God, in so far as he is
considered as an extended thing. (See I:[xxv] Coroll.)
[D.II] I consider as belonging to the essence of a thing that, which
being given, the thing is necessarily given also, and, which
being removed, the thing is necessarily removed also; in
other words, that without which the thing , can neither be nor
be conceived.
[D.III] By idea, I mean the mental conception which is formed by
the mind as a thinking thing.
Explanation.- I say conception rather than perception, because
the word perception seems to imply that the mind is passive in
respect to the object; whereas conception seems to express an
activity of the mind.
[D.IV] By an adequate idea, I mean an idea which, in so far as it is
considered in itself, without relation to the object, has all
the properties or intrinsic marks of a true idea.
Explanation.- I say intrinsic, in order to exclude that which
is extrinsic, namely, the agreement between the idea and its
object (ideatum).
[D.V] Duration is the indefinite continuance of existing.
Explanation.
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