Single Idea 12906

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 10. Essence as Species]

Full Idea

The concept of a species contains only eternal or necessary truths, whereas the concept of an individual contains, regarded as possible, what in fact exists or what is related to the existence of things and to time.

Gist of Idea

Truths about species are eternal or necessary, but individual truths concern what exists

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Antoine Arnauld [1686], 1686.06)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'The Leibniz-Arnauld Correspondence', ed/tr. Mason,HT/Parkinson,GHR [Manchester UP 1967], p.41


A Reaction

This seems to be what is behind the preference some have for kind-essences rather than individual essences. But the individual must be explained, as well as the kind. Not all tigers are identical. The two are, of course, compatible.

Related Idea

Idea 12987 For some sorts, a member of it is necessarily a member [Leibniz]