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Single Idea 2102

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / g. Atomism ]

Full Idea

There are no two individuals indiscernible from one another - leaves, or drops of water, for example. This is an argument against atoms, which, like the void, are opposed to the principles of a true metaphysic.

Gist of Idea

Atomism is irrational because it suggests that two atoms can be indistinguishable

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Samuel Clarke [1716], 4.04)

Book Ref

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.216

The 15 ideas from 'Letters to Samuel Clarke'

22894 If time were absolute that would make God's existence dependent on it [Leibniz, by Bardon]
2099 The existence of God, and all metaphysics, follows from the Principle of Sufficient Reason [Leibniz]
2098 The principle of sufficient reason is needed if we are to proceed from maths to physics [Leibniz]
3646 There is always a reason why things are thus rather than otherwise [Leibniz]
2100 Space and time are purely relative [Leibniz]
2101 If everything in the universe happened a year earlier, there would be no discernible difference [Leibniz]
2102 Atomism is irrational because it suggests that two atoms can be indistinguishable [Leibniz]
2103 The idea that the universe could be moved forward with no other change is just a fantasy [Leibniz]
2104 No reason could limit the quantity of matter, so there is no limit [Leibniz]
2105 Things are infinitely subdivisible and contain new worlds, which atoms would make impossible [Leibniz]
2106 The only simple things are monads, with no parts or extension [Leibniz]
2107 No time exists except instants, and instants are not even a part of time, so time does not exist [Leibniz]
20965 Leibniz upheld conservations of momentum and energy [Leibniz, by Papineau]
21346 The ratio between two lines can't be a feature of one, and cannot be in both [Leibniz]
19385 All simply substances are in harmony, because they all represent the one universe [Leibniz]