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Single Idea 19958

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws]

Full Idea

Laws, in the broadest meaning of the term, are the necessary relations that derive from the nature of things.

Gist of Idea

Laws are the necessary relations that derive from the nature of things

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 01.01)

A Reaction

Montesquieu is about to discuss social laws, but this is the clearest statement I have ever met of the essentialist view of the laws of nature.

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.109