Ideas from 'Notes on Comments by Fardella' by Gottfried Leibniz [1690], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Philosophical Essays' by Leibniz,Gottfried (ed/tr Arlew,R /Garber,D) [Hackett 1989,0-87220-062-0]].

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9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 1. Unifying an Object / c. Unity as conceptual

13160

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

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

9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / c. Types of substance

13161

Substances are everywhere in matter, like points in a line

			Full Idea: There are substances everywhere in matter, just as points are everywhere in a line.
			From: Gottfried Leibniz (Notes on Comments by Fardella [1690], Clarif)
			A reaction: Since Leibniz is unlikely to believe in the reality of the points, we must wonder whether he was really committed to this infinity of substances. The more traditional notion of substance is always called 'substantial form' by Leibniz.