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Single Idea 12778

[from 'Letters to Des Bosses' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence ]

Full Idea

I do not say there is a chain midway between matter and form, but that the substantial form and primary matter of the composite, in the Scholastic sense (the primitive power, active and passive) are in the chain, and in the essence of the composite.

Gist of Idea

There is active and passive power in the substantial chain and in the essence of a composite

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Des Bosses [1715], 1716.05.29)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.202


A Reaction

Note that this implies an essence of primitive power, and not just a collection of all properties. This is the clearest account in these letters of the nature of the 'substantial chain' he has added to his monads.

Related Ideas

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

Idea 12774 Without a substantial chain to link monads, they would just be coordinated dreams [Leibniz]

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