Single Idea 5012

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 4. A Priori as Necessities]

Full Idea

The proposition 'nothing comes from nothing' is not to be considered as an existing thing, or the mode of a thing, but as a certain eternal truth which has its seat in our mind and is a common notion or axiom.

Gist of Idea

'Nothing comes from nothing' is an eternal truth found within the mind

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.49)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.243


A Reaction

There is a tension here, in his assertion that it is 'eternal', but 'not existing'. How does one distinguish an innate idea from an innate truth? 'Eternal' sounds like an external guarantee of truth, but being 'in our mind' sounds less reliable.