back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 14960

[from 'De Corpore (Elements, First Section)' by Thomas Hobbes, in 9. Objects / A. Existence of Objects / 5. Individuation / c. Individuation by location ]

Full Idea

A body is that, which having no dependence on our thought, is coincident or coextended with some part of space.

Gist of Idea

Bodies are independent of thought, and coincide with part of space

Source

Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 2.08.01)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.53


A Reaction

This rather Cartesian view doesn't seem to offer any distinction between empty space and space containing an 'object'. Presumably it is the ancestor of the Quinean account just in terms of space-time points. Don't like it.