ABSTRACT
The function and significance of the infinite modes are basic to the system of Spinozist thought since, whatever their historic antecedents, they only come to light in relation to other elements of the theory to which they belong. A great problem in Spinozism seems to be the lack of the "deduction" of the finite from the infinite. The first point concerns terminology: the commonly used expressions "immediate infinite modes" and "mediate infinite modes" are not, in this specific form, original Spinozist terms; they seem to have been constructed from the canonical texts of this theory. But they are indicative of Spinozist concepts. This chapter examines the problem of identifying the mediate infinite modes which derive from the attribute of Thought. Due to their constitution, mediate infinite modes represent the most advanced point of the process of pluralization of the modes of being, with respect to which the immediate infinite modes serve as regulating and propelling principles.
