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Single Idea 7712

[filed under theme 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined ]

Full Idea

Later philosophers emphasised different strands of Aristotle's concept of substances: Leibniz (in his theory of monads) emphasised their unity; Spinoza emphasised their ontological independence; Locke emphasised their role in relation to qualities.

Gist of Idea

On substances, Leibniz emphasises unity, Spinoza independence, Locke relations to qualities

Source

E.J. Lowe (Locke on Human Understanding [1995], Ch.4)

Book Ref

Lowe,E.J.: 'Locke on Human Understanding' [Routledge 2004], p.71


A Reaction

Note that this Aristotelian idea had not been jettisoned in the late seventeenth century, unlike other Aristotelianisms. I think it is only with the success of atomism in chemistry that the idea of substance is forced to recede.


The 7 ideas from 'Locke on Human Understanding'

Perception is a mode of belief-acquisition, and does not involve sensation [Lowe]
Science requires a causal theory - perception of an object must be an experience caused by the object [Lowe]
On substances, Leibniz emphasises unity, Spinoza independence, Locke relations to qualities [Lowe]
Personal identity is a problem across time (diachronic) and at an instant (synchronic) [Lowe]
Mentalese isn't a language, because it isn't conventional, or a means of public communication [Lowe]
If meaning is mental pictures, explain "the cat (or dog!) is NOT on the mat" [Lowe]
Two things can only resemble one another in some respect, and that may reintroduce a universal [Lowe]