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Single Idea 3628

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / e. Substance critique ]

Full Idea

The alleged naked, or rather hidden, substance of wax is something that we can neither ourselves conceive nor explain to others.

Gist of Idea

Substance cannot be conceived or explained to others

Source

comment on René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §2.31) by Pierre Gassendi - Objections to 'Meditations' (Fifth) 273

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Meditations on First Philosophy etc.', ed/tr. Cottingham,John [CUP 1986], p.77