more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 19332

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 2. Understanding]

Full Idea

For Leibniz, what is this understanding which God has? What does it contain? All possibilities in all possible combinations, that is, everything which can be conceived.

Gist of Idea

For Leibniz, divine understanding grasps every conceivable possibility

Source

report of Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690]) by Franklin Perkins - Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed 2.III

Book Reference

Perkins,Franklin: 'Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed' [Continuum 2007], p.33


A Reaction

I like this, because it strikes me as essential that understanding should embrace possibilities as well as actualities. Perkins points out that the possibilities are restricted by an awareness of the limitations imposed by combination.