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Single Idea 12485

[from 'Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed)' by John Locke, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / e. Substance critique ]

Full Idea

Of substance, we have no idea of what it is, but only a confused obscure one of what it does.

Gist of Idea

We don't know what substance is, and only vaguely know what it does

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.13.19)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.175


A Reaction

Locke seems to identityf 'substance' with 'real essence', about which he makes similar remarks. He was deeply pessimistic about our ability to unravel how the physical world works. Note that he isn't denying the existence of substance.