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Single Idea 12918

[from 'Letters to Antoine Arnauld' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 2. Immortality / c. Animal Souls ]

Full Idea

It appears probable that animals have souls although they lack consciousness.

Gist of Idea

Animals have souls, but lack consciousness

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Antoine Arnauld [1686], 1686.11)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'The Leibniz-Arnauld Correspondence', ed/tr. Mason,HT/Parkinson,GHR [Manchester UP 1967], p.90


A Reaction

Personally I would say that they lack souls but have consciousness, but then I am in no better position to know the answer than Leibniz was. Arnauld asks what would happen to the souls of 100,000 silkworms if they caught fire!