more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 12777

[catalogued under 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / c. Monads]

Full Idea

Monads do not constitute a complete composite substance, since they make up, not something one per se, but only a mere aggregate, unless some substantial chain is added.

Gist of Idea

Monads do not make a unity unless a substantial chain is added to them

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Des Bosses [1715], 1712.05.26)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.201


A Reaction

This is the clearest statement in the Des Bosses letters of the need for something extra to unite monads. Since the main role of monads was to replace substances, which are only postulated to provide unity, this is rather a climb-down.

Related Ideas

Idea 12753 A substantial bond of powers is needed to unite composites, in addition to monads [Leibniz]

Idea 12774 Without a substantial chain to link monads, they would just be coordinated dreams [Leibniz]

Idea 12778 There is active and passive power in the substantial chain and in the essence of a composite [Leibniz]