O suicídio como forma de diminuição da potência de agir e do conatus

Abstract

This study presents suicide as a way of diminishing human potency of action and conatus. We refer to the philosopher Baruch Spinoza, who, in the development of his ontology, introduces these two philosophical notions. Thus, the search for the proposed theme occurred during my work as a psychologist, which makes me reflect on the large number of people afflicted by suicidal thoughts and behaviors. With this in mind, the objective is to research the relationship between suicide and the decrease of human potency of action and conatus in Spinoza, to present an analysis of Spinoza's ontology and its main concepts, to highlight the philosopher's view on suicide, to present the notion of the decrease and increase of human potency, and finally, to explain the importance of conatus. Spinoza addresses the issue of suicide as coercion by external causes, which would affect the possibility of satisfying the most essential desires. conatus will be essential for understanding the relationship of the being with affections; thus, we will explore the relationship between the reduction of human potency of action and the concept of conatus in Spinoza's philosophy. The research method used was a theoretical essay, as it is understood to be the form that best fits the research object. The investigation consisted of the study and analysis of the author's main work, Ethics. However, this research will contribute to understanding the relationship between the proposed themes, thus potentially collaborating with the field of knowledge.