Exempla desiderarem Spinoza and the Facies Totius Universi

Abstract

This article analyzes the expression Facies totius Universi ( FTU ), contained in Letter 64 to Schuller, in order to offer some considerations concerning Spinoza’s philosophy of imaginative language, particularly concerning his use of examples. The most recent readings of Spinoza’s use of language make imagination a positive expression, which can help to understand clear and distinct concepts. Following this path, the aim of this article will be to examine a specific example used by Spinoza (the FTU ) to develop historical, exegetical, and more strictly philosophical considerations regarding both the example itself and Spinoza’s use of language.