back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 12943

[from 'New Essays on Human Understanding' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / a. Substance ]

Full Idea

Within each substance there is a perfect bond between the future and the past, which is what creates the identity of the individual.

Gist of Idea

Individuality is in the bond substance gives between past and future

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.01)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.114


A Reaction

I'm not quite sure if this means anything, but the idea that a bond across time is a necessity for intrinsic identity is interesting. The 'bond' would, I take it, have to be a causal one.