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Single Idea 12784

[from 'Letters to Des Bosses' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 28. God / B. Proving God / 3. Proofs of Evidence / e. Miracles ]

Full Idea

Miracles should not be increased beyond necessity.

Gist of Idea

Allow no more miracles than are necessary

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.205


A Reaction

Leibniz defends miracles (where Spinoza dismisses them). This remark is, of course, an echo of Ockham's Razor, that 'entities' should not be multiplied beyond necessity. It is hard to disagree with his proposal. Zero might be result, though.