more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 12959

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers]

Full Idea

The clearest idea of active power comes to us from the mind. So active power occurs only in things which are analogous to minds, that is, in entelechies; for strictly matter exhibits only passive power.

Clarification

'Entelechies' are actualised essences

Gist of Idea

We discern active power from our minds, so mind must be involved in all active powers

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.21)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.172


A Reaction

If this is meant to be a precise argument, then 'so' and 'only' are blatantly unjustified. I guess that if it isn't analogous to a mind then he won't allow it to be a TRUE active power! I say mind arises from the entelechies of the physical brain.