arises from sensation or from a material source; it is a mental state that we should rise above; it is a mental activity in which error resides. Christian Scientists say of one who is sick that he has a “belief.”
This theory as to faith has its origin with Plato who identifies faith and opinion,[1] which as psychological states are of course the same.
Plotinus says: “Sense, and not intellect, will have an apprehension of things external; and if you are willing to grant it, this will also be the case with the dianoetic power and opinion.”[2] The “dianoetic power” is the power of discursive reason or inference. Now notice that he says that both this power and opinion are like sense in that they have to do with external things, that is, these activities of the mind arise from its being affected by external objects.
Proclus follows Plotinus.[3] Spinoza follows Proclus.[4]
Proclus explaining the source of error says it “subsists in the doxastic part” of the soul; that is, in the opinion-forming part.[5] And Spinoza explains error as arising in the same mental act. He explains distinctly that error arises from the imagination but that imagination as such does not
- ↑ Cf. Republic. Bk. 6. Sections 509-511. cf. Prof. Paul Shorey's discussion of Plato's psychological terminology, in Unity of Plato's Thought, p. 47f.
- ↑ 5. 3. 1. cf. 5. 9. 7.; 3. 6. 4.; 6. 9. 3.
- ↑ Cf. On Tim. Bk. 2. (Vol. I. p. 188.); Prov. 1. (p. 3.); On Tim. Bk. 2. (Vol. I. p. 209.); Theo. Ele. 123.
- ↑ Cf. Eth. 2. 40. Note 2. and Imp. of the Und. p. 8. ff.
- ↑ On Tim. Bk. 5. (Vol. II. p. 446f.)
