more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 13160

[catalogued under 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / c. Unity as conceptual]

Full Idea

A plurality of things can neither be understood nor can exist unless one first understands the thing that is one, that to which the multitude necessarily reduces.

Gist of Idea

To exist and be understood, a multitude must first be reduced to a unity

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Notes on Comments by Fardella [1690], Prop 3)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.103


A Reaction

Notice that it is our need to understand which imposes the unity on the multitude. It is not just some random fiction, or a meaningless mechanical act of thought.