Single Idea 5032

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 7. Animal Minds]

Full Idea

It appears probable that the brutes have souls, though they are without consciousness.

Gist of Idea

It seems probable that animals have souls, but not consciousness

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Antoine Arnauld [1686], 1686.12.08)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.65


A Reaction

This will be a response to Descartes, who allowed animals sensations, but not minds or souls. Personally I cannot make head or tail of Leibniz's claim. What makes it "apparent" to him?