Single Idea 12486

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / D. Time / 3. Parts of Time / b. Instants]

Full Idea

A part of duration wherein we perceive no succession, is that which we may call an 'instant'; and is that which takes up the time of only one idea in our minds.

Gist of Idea

An 'instant' is where we perceive no succession, and is the time of a single idea

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.14.10)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.185


A Reaction

Given that the present appears to have zero duration (if it is where past and future meet), then this strikes me as a pretty accurate account of what we mean by an instant.

Related Idea

Idea 1902 Since Socrates either died when he was alive (a contradiction) or died when he was dead (meaningless), he didn't die [Sext.Empiricus]