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Single Idea 12758

[from 'On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura)' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 1. Mechanics / c. Forces ]

Full Idea

If we attribute an inherent force to our mind, a force acting immanently, then nothing forbids us to suppose that the same force would be found in other souls or forms, or, if you prefer, in the nature of substances.

Gist of Idea

It is plausible to think substances contain the same immanent force seen in our free will

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura) [1698], §10)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.161


A Reaction

This is the kind of bizarre idea that you are driven to, once you start thinking that God must have a will outside nature, and then that we have the same thing. Why shouldn't such a thing pop up all over the place? Only Leibniz spots the slippery slope.