Single Idea 16730

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 8. Properties as Modes]

Full Idea

Since these atoms are the whole of the corporeal matter or substance that exists in bodies, if we conceive or notice anything else to exist in these bodies, that is not a substance but only some kind of mode of the substance.

Gist of Idea

If matter is entirely atoms, anything else we notice in it can only be modes

Source

Pierre Gassendi (Syntagma [1658], II.1.6.1), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 22.4

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.504


A Reaction

If the atoms have a few qualities of their own, are they just modes? If they are genuine powers, then there can be emergent powers, which are rather more than mere 'modes'.

Related Idea

Idea 16729 How do mere atoms produce qualities like colour, flavour and odour? [Gassendi]