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Single Idea 13196

[filed under theme 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / c. Forces ]

Full Idea

All qualities of bodies .....are in the end reduced [revoco] to forces.

Gist of Idea

All qualities of bodies reduce to forces

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Body and Force, Against the Cartesians [1702], p.256)

Book Ref

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.256

A Reaction

The dots conceal a long qualification, but he is essentially standing by this simple remark. If you substitute the word 'powers' for 'forces', I think that is just about right.

The 5 ideas from 'On Body and Force, Against the Cartesians'

13193 Active force is not just potential for action, since it involves a real effort or striving [Leibniz]
13192 Power is passive force, which is mass, and active force, which is entelechy or form [Leibniz]
13194 God's laws would be meaningless without internal powers for following them [Leibniz]
13195 To explain a house we must describe its use, as well as its parts [Leibniz]
13196 All qualities of bodies reduce to forces [Leibniz]