Q.E.D.
Prop.[XXXIV] Every idea, which in us is absolute
or adequate and perfect, is true.
Proof.- (34:1) When we say that an idea in us is adequate and perfect,
we say, in other words ([xi] Coroll.), that the idea is adequate and
perfect in God, in so far as he constitutes the essence of our mind;
consequently ([xxxii] ), we say that such an idea is true. Q.E.D.
Prop.[XXXV] Falsity consists in the privation of knowledge,
which inadequate, fragmentary, or confused ideas
involve.
Proof.- (35:1) There is nothing positive in ideas, which causes them to
be called false ([xxxiii] ); but falsity cannot consist in simple
privation (for minds, not bodies, are said to err and to be mistaken),
neither can it consist in absolute ignorance, for ignorance and error
are not identical; wherefore it consists in the privation of knowledge,
which inadequate, fragmentary, or confused ideas involve. Q.E.D.
Note.- (35:2) In the note to [xvii] . I explained how error consists in
the privation of knowledge, but in order to throw more light on the
subject I will give an example. (3) For instance, men are mistaken in
thinking themselves free; their opinion is made up of consciousness of
their own actions, and ignorance of the causes by which they are
conditioned. (4) Their idea of freedom, therefore, is simply their
ignorance of any cause for their actions.
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