Single Idea 3946

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 10. Impossibility]

Full Idea

A thing is shown to be impossible when a repugnancy is demonstrated between the ideas comprehended in its definition.

Gist of Idea

A thing is shown to be impossible if a contradiction is demonstrated within its definition

Source

George Berkeley (Three Dialogues of Hylas and Philonous [1713], II p.214)

Book Reference

Berkeley,George: 'The Principles of Human Knowledge etc.', ed/tr. Warnock,G.J. [Fontana 1962], p.214


A Reaction

The problem is always that imagination is needed to see the 'repugnancy', and that is relative and limited.