Prop.[XIII] The object of the idea constituting the human mind
is the body, in other words a certain mode of
extension which actually exists, and nothing else.
Proof.- (13:1) If indeed the body were not the object of the human mind,
the ideas of the modifications a the body would not be in God ([ix] Coroll.)
in virtue of his constituting our mind, but in virtue of his constituting
the mind of something else; that is ([xi] Coroll.) the ideas of the
modifications of the body would not be in our mind: now (by [A.iv] ) we do
possess the ideas of the modifications of the body. (2) Therefore the
object of the idea constituting the human mind is the body, and the body
as it actually exists ([xi] ). (3) Further, if there were any other
object of the idea constituting the mind besides body, then, as nothing
can exist from which some effect does not follow (I:[xxxvi] ) there would
necessarily have to be in our mind an idea, which would be the effect
of that other object ([xi] ); but ([A.v] ) there is no such idea.
(13:4) Wherefore the object of our mind is the body as it exists,
and nothing else. Q.E.D.
Note.- (13:5) We thus comprehend, not only that the human mind is united
to the body, but also the nature of the union between mind and body.
(6) However, no one will be able to grasp this adequately or distinctly,
unless he first has adequate knowledge of the nature of our body.
Pages:
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88