Will, Mode, Alterity

For Spinoza, inter-Modal alterity is a potential source of harm to a Mode, correctable by Reason, which promotes inter-Modal commonality. In contrast, here, inter-personal alterity is an opportunity for personal growth, accomplished by the incorporation of a novel perspective into one's experience. That incorporation is a two-stage process, combining Will and Comprehension--the former effects an extending of oneself towards another, while the latter integrates what one encounters with the products of past experiences. Hence, such personal growth entails a process of active extending. In other words, Spinoza's lack of appreciation of the value of inter-Modal alterity is one consequence of his failure to develop a notion of active Modal Extension.