Nihil volitum quin praecognitum: Some considerations on love, knowledge, and reason.

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between love and knowledge in the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza. At first, it is argued that active love does not correspond to an idealized vision, but quite the opposite. Furthermore, it is defined as a joyful affect, the result of cognitive activity rather than the influence of other bodies upon our own. In this sense, love increases the capacity to persevere in one's being and to act in accordance with self-preservation. For this, it requires a different approach from the method used by authors such as the famous Roman poet Ovid in regard to love for singular things. Unlike this, active love discards superstitions and prejudices. It is stripped, as much as possible, of fear and hope, aiming toward a clearer understanding of reality.