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Single Idea 12711

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers ]

Full Idea

The force or proximate cause of these changes [of position] is something more real, and there is sufficient basis to attribute it to one body more than to another.

Clarification

A 'proximate' cause is the one closest to the effect

Gist of Idea

The immediate cause of movements is more real [than geometry]

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Discourse on Metaphysics [1686], §18), quoted by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 3

Book Ref

Garber,Daniel: 'Leibniz: Body, Substance, Monad' [OUP 2009], p.119


A Reaction

The force is said to be 'more real' than geometry. Leibniz seems to have embraced fairly physical powers in the period 1678-1698, and then seen them as more and more like spirits.


The 13 ideas from 'Discourse on Metaphysics'

Substances mirror God or the universe, each from its own viewpoint [Leibniz]
People argue for God's free will, but it isn't needed if God acts in perfection following supreme reason [Leibniz]
Future contingent events are certain, because God foresees them, but that doesn't make them necessary [Leibniz]
The immediate cause of movements is more real [than geometry] [Leibniz]
Knowledge doesn't just come from the senses; we know the self, substance, identity, being etc. [Leibniz]
Mind and body can't influence one another, but God wouldn't intervene in the daily routine [Leibniz]
Animals lack morality because they lack self-reflection [Leibniz]
If a person's memories became totally those of the King of China, he would be the King of China [Leibniz]
Subjects include predicates, so full understanding of subjects reveals all the predicates [Leibniz]
Leibniz is some form of haecceitist [Leibniz, by Cover/O'Leary-Hawthorne]
The complete notion of a substance implies all of its predicates or attributes [Leibniz]
Forms are of no value in physics, but are indispensable in metaphysics [Leibniz]
Reason avoids multiplying hypotheses or principles [Leibniz]