Psychopathologie, volonté et thérapie de l’esprit selon Spinoza

Abstract

The pathology of the human mind, which Spinoza links to the notion of affect, plays a central role in the psychology of the Ethics, particularly through the notion of the fluctuation of the soul (animi vocatur fluctuatio), which we liken to that of acrasia, i.e., the internal conflict within the mind torn between two opposing affects. The solutions proposed by Spinoza to overcome passive affects condition the possibility of salvation that he assigns to intuitive science. This article aims first to clarify the status of the notion of affect, then the power of man to overcome his servitude, and finally the concept of beatitude. We will then examine the therapeutic approach proposed by Spinoza, as well as the insurmountable difficulties it encounters.

Keywords: Spinoza, psychopathology, therapy of the mind, akrasia, affect, power over affects, beatitude, nirvana, free will