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Single Idea 23228

[filed under theme 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic ]

Full Idea

The principle of activity, of generation and becoming in and for itself, is purely in that force itself and not in anything outside it…; the force is not driven or set in motion, it sets itself in motion.

Gist of Idea

The principle of activity and generation is found in a self-moving basic force

Source

Johann Fichte (The Vocation of Man [1800], 1)

Book Ref

Fichte,Johann G.: 'The Vocation of Man', ed/tr. Preuss,Peter [Hackett 1987], p.8


A Reaction

A good account of primitive powers, as self-motivating forces. I can't think what else could be fundamental to nature. This whole passage of Fichte expounds a powers ontology.

Related Idea

Idea 23230 Nature contains a fundamental force of thought [Fichte]


The 24 ideas from 'The Vocation of Man'

Sufficient reason makes the transition from the particular to the general [Fichte]
Each object has a precise number of properties, each to a precise degree [Fichte]
The principle of activity and generation is found in a self-moving basic force [Fichte]
The will is awareness of one of our inner natural forces [Fichte]
The capacity for freedom is above the laws of nature, with its own power of purpose and will [Fichte]
I want independent control of the fundamental cause of my decisions [Fichte]
Nature contains a fundamental force of thought [Fichte]
I cannot change the nature which has been determined for me [Fichte]
The self is, apart from outward behaviour, a drive in your nature [Fichte]
If life lacks love it becomes destruction [Fichte]
Freedom means making yourself become true to your essential nature [Fichte]
Nature is wholly interconnected, and the tiniest change affects everything [Fichte]
I immediately know myself, and anything beyond that is an inference [Fichte]
Consciousness has two parts, passively receiving sensation, and actively causing productions [Fichte]
Consciousness of external things is always accompanied by an unnoticed consciousness of self [Fichte]
I am myself, but not the external object; so I only sense myself, and not the object [Fichte]
We can't know by sight or hearing without realising that we are doing so [Fichte]
Faith is not knowledge; it is a decision of the will [Fichte]
Forming purposes is absolutely free, and produces something from nothing [Fichte]
Knowledge can't be its own foundation; there has to be regress of higher and higher authorities [Fichte]
The need to act produces consciousness, and practical reason is the root of all reason [Fichte]
Self-consciousness is the basis of knowledge, and knowing something is knowing myself [Fichte]
There is nothing to say about anything which is outside my consciousness [Fichte]
Awareness of reality comes from the free activity of consciousness [Fichte]