ABSTRACT
The theory of the existent presented in this part is based on the division of the existent into its three constituent parts: the ipseity, attributes of the existent, and its action. We study the corresponding concepts and principles of these parts in the particular sciences: the theory of motion is studied in the Physics, the soul in the Psychology, and the predication of the accidents that correspond to the attributes in the Logic. This study as a whole comprises a theory of the existent, which is to be distinguished, from both a theory of existence, and the further metaphysical study of the existent with its existence. Thus, we will be studying the existent on its own, by way of principles that can be considered when conceiving the existent in itself. The higher second and third cognitions are not needed to formulate and understand these principles. They are such that are conceived based on the first cognition, the cognition that is restricted to the existent itself. Thus a cognition of one’s existent self will be sufficient to cognize these principles. There may be aspects pertaining to the existent that are beyond the border of these principles and the first cognition, but these are not studied within the proper realm of these three sciences. These notions deal with relationships, which extend beyond the subject matter found in the first book of Physics,1 and hence are not studied here.
IP2.2 The innate principles conceived by the a priori first cognition In this part, we study in the sciences of physics and psychology principles that are of the existent. First, a principle of motion that conceives the existent by itself, that is, when not affected and not taking into consideration the effect of any external bodies or forces. In a similar manner, the principle of psychology conceives an internal notion of feeling, a feeling that is conceived of an existent man who is isolated on his own, with no one “with him in existence except himself.”2 Much of the psychological conception consists in what is deduced and built upon this. The enunciated principles that conceive the existent on its own will be the basis for the further structures and development.
