Concept 2 — Modes.

A ‘mode’ is “a way or manner in which something occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done.” In the scheme that Descartes is using, a substance (e.g. a mind) will have an attribute (thought) and the mode might be willing or having an idea.

If it helps, but don't let it confuse you, you can think of the modern use of the word when people talk about 'modes of transport'. You can travel by train, bus or bicycle. They are all different ways of travelling. Another way of remembering is to think of a mode as the way in which a substance is modified.

The pieces of the puzzle that you will need in order to understand how the Trademark Argument works is that:

  • God is an infinite substance,
  • Your mind is a finite substance, and
  • An idea in your mind is a mode.