Single Idea 12781

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 12. Essential Parts]

Full Idea

An aggregate, but not a composite substance, is resolved into parts. A composite substance only needs the coming together of parts, but is not essentially constituted by them, otherwise it would be an aggregate.

Gist of Idea

A composite substance is a mere aggregate if its essence is just its parts

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Des Bosses [1715], 1716.05.29)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.203


A Reaction

The point is that there is more to some things than there mere parts. Only some unifying principle, in addition to the mere parts, bestows a unity. Mereology is a limited activity if it has nothing to say about this issue.