(48:9) We must inquire, I say,
whether there is in the mind any affirmation or negation beyond that,
which the idea, in so far as it is an idea, involves. (10) On which
subject see the following proposition, and [D.iii] , lest the idea of
pictures should suggest itself. (11) For by ideas I do not mean images
such as are formed at the back of the eye, or in the midst of the brain,
but the conceptions of thought.
Prop.[XLIX] There is in the mind no volition or affirmation
and negation, save that which an idea, inasmuch
as it is an idea, involves.
Proof.- (49:1) There is in the mind no absolute faculty of positive or
negative volition, but only particular volitions, namely, this or that
affirmation, and this or that negation. (2) Now let us conceive a
particular volition, namely, the mode of thinking whereby the mind
affirms, that the three interior angles of a triangle are equal to two
right angles. (3) This affirmation involves the conception or idea of
a triangle, that is, without the idea of a triangle it cannot be conceived.
(49:4) It is the same thing to say, that the concept A must involve the
concept B, as it is to say, that A cannot be conceived without B.
(5) Further, this affirmation cannot be made ([A.iii] ) without the
idea of a triangle. (6) Therefore, this affirmation can neither be
nor be conceived, without the idea of a triangle.
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