Perseverare in (suo) Esse: Gassendi and Spinoza against Descartes

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the issue of creatures’ conservation in being. The aim is as follows: to demonstrate that the Cartesian position is significantly different from the positions adopted by Gassendi and then by Spinoza. Indeed, both, in contrast to Descartes, adopt a principle of metaphysical inertia, which parallels their principle of physical inertia. If Gassendi can conceive of this principle of metaphysical inertia, it is because he really distinguishes between creation and conservation. If Spinoza, who owes it to his reading of the 5th Objections and Replies, can conceive of his principle, it is because he distinguishes between ideal essence and actual essence.