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Single Idea 12774

[from 'Letters to Des Bosses' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 6. Fundamentals / c. Monads ]

Full Idea

If that substantial chain [vinculum substantiale] for monads did not exist, all bodies, together with all of their qualities, would be nothing but well-founded phenomena, like a rainbow or an image in a mirror, continual dreams perfectly in agreement.

Gist of Idea

Without a substantial chain to link monads, they would just be coordinated dreams

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Des Bosses [1715], 1712.02.05)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.198


A Reaction

[The first appearance, apparently, of the 'susbtantial chain' in his writings] I take this to be a hugely significant move, either a defeat for monads, or the arrival of common sense. Spiritual monads must unify things, so they can't just be 'parallel'.

Related Ideas

Idea 12753 A substantial bond of powers is needed to unite composites, in addition to monads [Leibniz]

Idea 12777 Monads do not make a unity unless a substantial chain is added to them [Leibniz]

Idea 12778 There is active and passive power in the substantial chain and in the essence of a composite [Leibniz]