Chain: From Conatus to Ethics

Purpose: Shows how self-preservation grounds naturalistic ethics and virtue.

The Chain

1. Part I Proposition 36 - From each thing’s essence, effects follow
2. Part III Proposition 6 - Each thing strives to persist (conatus) ⭐
3. Part III Proposition 7 - Conatus IS the essence ⭐
4. Part III Proposition 9 - Mind strives to persist ⭐
5. Part IV Definition 1 - Good is what’s useful
6. Part IV Proposition 18 - Rational desire can’t be excessive ⭐
7. Part IV Proposition 24 - Virtue = acting from reason ⭐
8. Part IV Proposition 35 - Reason seeks common good
9. Part V Proposition 42 - Flourishing IS virtue ⭐

Summary

All things strive to persist - this IS their essence (conatus). For humans, when conscious, this is desire. “Good” means what aids this striving. When we act from reason (adequate ideas), our desires are properly calibrated - they can’t be excessive. Virtue is simply acting from reason to preserve our being. Since we’re social, reason shows us the common good. Flourishing (highest joy) IS this virtuous activity, not its reward.

Significance

• Ethics is naturalistic (based on human nature)
• Virtue = enlightened self-interest
• Common good and individual good align
• Flourishing achieved now through understanding