more from Thomas Hobbes

Single Idea 17234

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / a. Explaining movement]

Full Idea

Motion is privation of one place, and the acquisition of another.

Gist of Idea

Motion is losing one place and acquiring another

Source

Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 1.6.06)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.23


A Reaction

This is basically the 'at-at' theory of motion which empiricists like, because it breaks motion down into atoms of experience. Hobbes needs an ontology which includes 'places'.