more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 12924

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / c. Forces]

Full Idea

Motion in itself separated from force is merely relative, and one cannot establish its subject. But force is something real and absolute.

Gist of Idea

Motion alone is relative, but force is real, and establishes its subject

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Antoine Arnauld [1686], 1688.01.4/14)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'The Leibniz-Arnauld Correspondence', ed/tr. Mason,HT/Parkinson,GHR [Manchester UP 1967], p.167


A Reaction

The striking phrase here is that force enables us to 'establish its subject'. That is, force is at the heart of reality, and hence, through causal relations, individuates objects. That's how I read it.