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Single Idea 12719

[from 'Letters to Paul Pellison-Fontinier' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / c. Forces ]

Full Idea

The notion of force is as clear as that of action and passion, because it is that from which action follows when nothing prevents it.

Gist of Idea

Clearly, force is that from which action follows, when unimpeded

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Paul Pellison-Fontinier [1691], A1.6.226), quoted by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 4

Book Reference

Garber,Daniel: 'Leibniz: Body, Substance, Monad' [OUP 2009], p.154


A Reaction

For Leibniz, force seems to be a metaphysical notion, rather than a feature of the physical world. I take it to be the bottom level of explanation, and it equates with Aristotelian form and essence.