Single Idea 7945

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined]

Full Idea

Everyone upon inquiry into his thoughts, will find that he has no other idea of any substance, but what he has barely of those sensible qualities, with a supposition of such a substratum as give support to those qualities, which he observes exist united.

Clarification

A 'substratum' is a supporting lower level

Gist of Idea

We think of substance as experienced qualities plus a presumed substratum of support

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.23.06)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.298


A Reaction

This is the orginal of the 'substratum' view of substances. The whole problem is captured here, because this is an empiricist trying not to extend his ontology beyond experience, but trying to explain unity, identity and continuity.