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Single Idea 12967

[from 'New Essays on Human Understanding' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 1. Powers ]

Full Idea

If 'power' is the source of action, it means more than aptitude or ability. It also includes endeavour. It is in order to express this sense that I appropriate the term 'entelechy' to stand for power.

Gist of Idea

I use the word 'entelechy' for a power, to include endeavour, as well as mere aptitude

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.22)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.216


A Reaction

An 'entelechy' is, roughly, an instantiated thing, but I like what Leibniz is fishing for here - that we will never understand the world if we think of it as passive.