more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 13087

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence]

Full Idea

In Leibniz's view, the essence of a thing is fundamentally the real possibilities of that thing.

Gist of Idea

The essence of a thing is its real possibilities

Source

report of Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690]) by Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J - Substance and Individuation in Leibniz 4.3.3

Book Reference

Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J: 'Substance and Individuation in Leibniz' [CUP 1999], p.169


A Reaction

Note that the essences are individual. On the whole I would prefer Leibniz in his own words, but this is too good to lose (..but see Idea 12981). It is the aspect of Leibniz that fits perfectly with modern scientific essentialism.

Related Idea

Idea 12981 Essence is just the possibility of a thing [Leibniz]