Will, Matter, Extension

Wolfson proposes that Spinoza conceives the Extension-Thought relation as one of Matter-Form, with the innovation that Extension is as dynamic as is Thought. Now, while that interpretation explains how Extension and Thought can be two aspects of the same entity, it also gives rise to three further problems. First, it leaves unexplained how, as Spinoza contends, other Attributes are possible, i. e. how Matter and Form can admit of other complementary aspects. Second, the traditional notion of Form entails that of Formal Causality in relation to its corresponding Matter, thus entailing a violation of the non-interactionism of Spinoza's Extension-Form relation. Finally, neither Wolfson nor Spinoza elaborates on how Matter, traditionally conceived as inert, can be dynamic. In contrast, the 'Formaterial' system being developed here assumes Spinoza's insight, and attempts to resolve those problems. In general, the system conceives Matter-Form as Multiplicity-Unity, so, analogously, it defines, respectively, as a dynamic Material Principle, Becoming-Diverse, and a dynamic Formal Principle, Becoming-the-Same, with everything comprised of some combination of the two principles. Thus, for example, personal action combines Will and Comprehension, the Material and Formal Principles of personal experience. Accordingly, the system jettisons Spinoza's non-interactionism, as well as the possibility of additional equiprimordial Attributes, a thesis of little consequence anyhow in his system.