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Full Idea
We rise to metaphysics by saying 'nothing takes place without a reason', then asking 'why is there something rather than nothing?, and then 'why do things exist as they do?'
Gist of Idea
First: there must be reasons; Second: why anything at all?; Third: why this?
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (Principles of Nature and Grace based on Reason [1714], §7)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.199
A Reaction
Wonderful. This is what we pay philosophers for - to attempt to go to the heart of the mystery, and then start formulating the appropriate questions. The question of 'why this?' is the sweetest question. The first one seems a little intractable.
Related Idea
Idea 7696 Leibniz first asked 'why is there something rather than nothing?' [Leibniz, by Jacquette]
| 5063 | Music charms, although its beauty is the harmony of numbers [Leibniz] |
| 19353 | 'Perception' is basic internal representation, and 'apperception' is reflective knowledge of perception [Leibniz] |
| 5061 | Animals are semi-rational because they connect facts, but they don't see causes [Leibniz] |
| 5062 | First: there must be reasons; Second: why anything at all?; Third: why this? [Leibniz] |
| 19377 | A monad and its body are living, so life is everywhere, and comes in infinite degrees [Leibniz] |