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Ideas for 'Reportatio', 'Realism, Mathematics and Modality' and 'Notes on John Wilkins'

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9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 14. Knowledge of Essences

12694	Essence is the distinct thinkability of anything [Leibniz]
	Full Idea: (Essence) is the distinct thinkability (cogitabilitas) of anything.
	From: Gottfried Leibniz (Notes on John Wilkins [1672], A6.2.487-8), quoted by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 1
	A reaction: A very original remark from the young Leibniz. It is neutral as to whether this is a real feature of objects, or a feature of human mental capacities. Presumably accidental features are thinkable, so 'distinct' is the key word.