Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed', 'Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right' and 'Philosophical Letters'

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5 ideas

9. Objects / B. Unity of Objects / 2. Substance / d. Substance defined

19347	Substance needs independence, unity, and stability (for individuation); also it is a subject, for predicates [Perkins]
	Full Idea: For individuation, substance needs three properties: independence, to separate it from other things; unity, to call it one thing, rather than an aggregate; and permanence or stability over time. Its other role is as subject for predicates.
	From: Franklin Perkins (Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed [2007], 3.1)
	A reaction: Perkins is describing the Aristotelian view, which is taken up by Leibniz. 'Substance' is not a controversial idea, if we see that it only means that the world is full of 'things'. It is an unusual philosopher wholly totally denies that.

17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 1. Physical Mind

23221	The brain, and all the mental events within it, consists entirely of sensitive and rational matter [Cavendish]
	Full Idea: Sensitive and rational matter …makes not only the Brain, but all Thoughts, Conceptions, Imaginations, Fancy, Understanding, Memory, Remembrance, and whatsoever motions are in the Head or Brain.
	From: Margaret Cavendish (Philosophical Letters [1664], p.185), quoted by Matthew Cobb - The Idea of the Brain 2
	A reaction: Judging by the date of this, and that she is a Cavendish, the influence of Hobbes must be strong, which was brave in 1664. A very strong statement of reductive physicalism, making sure that nothing is left out.

24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / c. Revolution

21991	The middle class gain freedom through property, but workers can only free all of humanity [Marx, by Singer]
	Full Idea: Where the middle class can win freedom for themselves on the basis of rights to property - thus excluding others from their freedom - the working class have nothing but their title as human beings. They only liberate themselves by liberating humanity.
	From: report of Karl Marx (Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right [1844]) by Peter Singer - Marx 4
	A reaction: Individual workers might gain freedom via education, marriage, or entrepreneurship, or by opting for total simplicity of life, but in general Marx seems to be right about this. But we must ask what sort of 'freedom' is needed.

21990	Theory is as much a part of a revolution as material force is [Marx]
	Full Idea: Material force must be overthrown by material force. But theory also becomes a material force once it has gripped the masses.
	From: Karl Marx (Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right [1844], Intro p.69), quoted by Peter Singer - Marx 4
	A reaction: A huge problem, I think, is that every theory (even conservatism) has to be simplified in a democracy if it is to grip the imagination of the majority. My current hatred is labels in political philosophy. They give us a cartoon view of the world.

29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / a. Religious Belief

7128	Religion is the opium of the people, and real happiness requires its abolition [Marx]
	Full Idea: Religion is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness.
	From: Karl Marx (Contrib to Critique of Hegel's Phil of Right [1844], Intro)
	A reaction: Not being religious myself, I have some sympathy with this ringing clarion-call. However, while opium satisfies an artificial and superficial need, religion certainly seems to speak to something deeper and more central in people.