El ser humano, un individuo más. Un análisis de la digresión física spinoziana

Abstract

Spinoza defines an individual in the so-called physical digression. This article aims to explore the scope of this notion. Some studies argue that Spinoza asserts a priority of the human individual over other degrees of individuation and other individuals. Others claim that the concept of individual is central to his non-humanist conception. Our hypothesis is that although, in the physical digression, Spinoza seeks to examine the human mind through a deeper understanding of bodies (E II, prop. 13, schol.), beyond the author’s intentions and the postulates about humans, the notion of individual in the physical digression goes beyond a humanist conception, that is, it does not state any human exceptionalism and grants no priority to human beings. First, we will analyze the definition of individual and its components. Second, we will focus on the properties and variations of individuals. Then, we will explore the role of human individuals within the physical digression, based on the postulates where Spinoza addresses them. Finally, we will outline some conclusions.