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Single Idea 17195

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 2. Powers as Basic ]

Full Idea

The force by which each thing perseveres in its existence follows from the eternal necessity of the nature of God.

Gist of Idea

Things persevere through a force which derives from God

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Pr 45)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.85


A Reaction

This I take to be an ontology of fundamental powers, but with divine backing, similar to that found in Leibniz. Modern powers theorists leave out God, since it doesn't seem to add anything. [Is this the idea of 'conatus'?] Darwin can't explain the force.