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Single Idea 5023

[from 'Discourse on Metaphysics' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 1. Nature of Free Will ]

Full Idea

We must distinguish between what is certain and what is necessary; everyone agrees that future contingents are certain, since God foresees them, but it is not thereby admitted that they are necessary.

Clarification

'Contingent' events might not occur

Gist of Idea

Future contingent events are certain, because God foresees them, but that doesn't make them necessary

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Discourse on Metaphysics [1686], §13)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.23


A Reaction

An interesting point, since there is presumably a difference between God foreseeing that future squares will have four corners, and His foreseeing the next war. It seems to me, though, that 'certainty' is bad enough news for free will, without necessity.