more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
I do not admit that the soul does not know bodies, although this knowledge arises without their influencing one another.
Gist of Idea
The soul does know bodies, although they do not influence one another
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (New System and Explanation of New System [1696], Reply 11)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.127
A Reaction
He couldn't very well admit this without moving into pure idealism. Presumably it is like "I know her - she'll be in Harrods this morning". I wonder if Satan could steal my body, but my mind continue to believe it was still there?
| 5044 | Reality must be made of basic unities, which will be animated, substantial points [Leibniz] |
| 5043 | To regard animals as mere machines may be possible, but seems improbable [Leibniz] |
| 5045 | No machine or mere organised matter could have a unified self [Leibniz] |
| 5046 | The soul does know bodies, although they do not influence one another [Leibniz] |