Single Idea 17028

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / b. Unifying aggregates]

Full Idea

The particles of bodies attract one another at very small distances and cohere when they become contiguous.

Gist of Idea

Particles mutually attract, and cohere at short distances

Source

Isaac Newton (Principia Mathematica [1687], Bk 3 Gen Schol)

Book Reference

Newton,Isaac: 'Philosophical Writings' [CUP 2004], p.93


A Reaction

This is the sort of account of unity which has to be given in the corpuscular view of things, once substantial forms are given up. What is missing here is the structure of the thing. A lump of dirt is as unified as a cat in this story.