Ideas from 'Geometrical Method and Metaphysics' by Gottfried Leibniz [1712], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Leibniz Selections' by Leibniz,Gottfried (ed/tr Wiener,Philip P.) [Scribners 1951,]].

green numbers give full details    |     back to texts     |     unexpand this idea


14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / g. Causal explanations
Minds are best explained by their ends, and bodies by efficient causes
                        Full Idea: Whatever concerns reasonable substances (the minds of men) is more naturally explained by the consideration of ends, whereas other substances (bodies) are better explained by efficient causes.
                        From: Gottfried Leibniz (Geometrical Method and Metaphysics [1712], p.89)
                        A reaction: That is, I take it, that the type of causal explanation considered most appropriate is the one that leads to the greatest understanding. So there is no absolute or correct answer as to which type of causation is the more important.