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Full Idea
An analysis of concepts such that we can reach primitive concepts...does not seem to be within human power.
Gist of Idea
Analysing right down to primitive concepts seems beyond our powers
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (Introduction to a Secret Encyclopaedia [1679], C513-14), quoted by Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J - Substance and Individuation in Leibniz
Book Ref
Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J: 'Substance and Individuation in Leibniz' [CUP 1999], p.262
A Reaction
Leibniz is nevertheless fully committed, I think, to the existence of such primitives, and is in the grip of the rationalist dream that thoughts can become completely clear, and completely well-founded.
13099 | Analysing right down to primitive concepts seems beyond our powers [Leibniz] |
5022 | We hold a proposition true if we are ready to follow it, and can't see any objections [Leibniz] |