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Single Idea 13171

[filed under theme 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / c. Types of substance ]

Full Idea

The nature of substance necessarily requires and essentially involves progress or change, without which it would not have the force to act.

Gist of Idea

Substance must necessarily involve progress and change

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New system of communication of substances [1695], p.144)

Book Ref

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.144

A Reaction

Bravo. Most metaphysical musings regarding 'substance' seem entirely wrapped up in the problem of pure identity, and forget about the role of objects in activity and change.

The 5 ideas from 'New system of communication of substances'

13168 My formal unifying atoms are substantial forms, which are forces like appetites [Leibniz]
13169 I call Aristotle's entelechies 'primitive forces', which originate activity [Leibniz]
13167 We need the metaphysical notion of force to explain mechanics, and not just extended mass [Leibniz]
13170 The analysis of things leads to atoms of substance, which found both composition and action [Leibniz]
13171 Substance must necessarily involve progress and change [Leibniz]