more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 13162

[catalogued under 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 6. Determinism / b. Fate]

Full Idea

The ancient Sloth's Syllogism says that if something is foreseen and infallible, it will happen without my effort, and if it is not foreseen, it will not happen, even though I am able to do it.

Gist of Idea

Sloth's Syllogism: either it can't happen, or it is inevitable without my effort

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Dialogue on human freedom and origin of evil [1695], p.113)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.113


A Reaction

Presumable the foreseeing is to be done by the oracle, and not by the slothful person.