Liv i organisationer, affekt og intuition

Om Spinozas filosofi

Abstract

Concepts such as emotions and innovative thinking are on the agenda as well in organi- zational theory and practice. This article seeks, on the basis of Baruch de Spinoza’s philoso- phy, to present alternative ways to understand emotionality and thinking in an organizational context. Often emotionality, as well as profes- sional thinking, is conceived based on an indi- vidualistic concept of subjectivity. The article tries, with Spinoza, to anchor emotions and thinking in relations and in practice between participants – in modes and meetings in the organization. It is emphasized that Spinoza’s philosophy fundamentally is a materialistic philosophy, and the involvement of essential material conditions in the work in the organiza- tion is connected to positive and joyful affec- tive practices, which in turn is a prerequisite for developing intuitive and innovative thinking.

The article closes with a perspective of Spinoza’s philosophy in relation to M. Foucault and G. Deleuze’s thinking. Essential similarities in the conceptions of subjectivity and individuality are mentioned. At the same time it is emphasized how an often frozen duality between determination, order and subjectivity, as Foucault and Deleuze have, can be overcome by involving the materialistic philosophy of Spinoza of the orders of modes, meetings and practice on the border of modes – and intuitive thinking. Hereby it is the goal of this article to answer the question of how to co-create professional life and professional innovation in organizations.