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Single Idea 13172

[from 'Letters to Johann Bernoulli' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 10. Modality / D. Knowledge of Modality / 4. Conceivable as Possible / c. Possible but inconceivable ]

Full Idea

It does not follow that what we can't imagine does not exist.

Gist of Idea

What we cannot imagine may still exist

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Johann Bernoulli [1699], 1698.11.18)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.168


A Reaction

This just establishes the common sense end of the debate - that you cannot just use your imagination as the final authority on what exists, or what is possible.