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Single Idea 13172

[filed under theme 10. Modality / D. Knowledge of Modality / 4. Conceivable as Possible / c. Possible but inconceivable ]

Full Idea

It does not follow that what we can't imagine does not exist.

Gist of Idea

What we cannot imagine may still exist

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Johann Bernoulli [1699], 1698.11.18)

Book Ref

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.168

A Reaction

This just establishes the common sense end of the debate - that you cannot just use your imagination as the final authority on what exists, or what is possible.

The 4 ideas from 'Letters to Johann Bernoulli'

13172 What we cannot imagine may still exist [Leibniz]
13173 Death is just the contraction of an animal [Leibniz]
13174 A piece of flint contains something resembling perceptions and appetites [Leibniz]
13175 Entelechies are analogous to souls, as other minds are analogous to our own minds [Leibniz]