more from Alfred North Whitehead

Single Idea 15247

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / C. Causation / 1. Causation]

Full Idea

On Whitehead's view, not only is a volitional sense of 'causal power' projected on to physical events, but 'perception in the causal mode' is literally ascribed to them.

Gist of Idea

Whitehead held that perception was a necessary feature of all causation

Source

report of Alfred North Whitehead (Process and Reality [1929]) by Harré,R./Madden,E.H. - Causal Powers 3.II

Book Reference

Harré,R/Madden,E.H.: 'Causal Powers: A Theory of Natural Necessity' [Blackwell 1975], p.58


A Reaction

This seems to be a close relative of Leibniz's monads. 'Perception' is a daft word for it, but in some way everything is 'responsive' to the things adjacent to it.

Related Idea

Idea 5044 Reality must be made of basic unities, which will be animated, substantial points [Leibniz]