Single Idea 12783

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / C. Powers and Dispositions / 4. Powers as Essence]

Full Idea

The first entelechy of a composite is a constitutive part of the composite substance, namely its primitive force.

Clarification

An 'entelechy' is what makes something actual, or perfect, not merely potential

Gist of Idea

Primitive force is what gives a composite its reality

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.205


A Reaction

For me, Leibniz's most interesting proposal is to characterise Aristotelian 'form' as an active thing, which offers an intrinsic account of movement, and a bottom level for explanations. There always remains the inexplicable. Why anything? Why this?

Related Ideas

Idea 12965 All occurrence in the depth of a substance is spontaneous 'action' [Leibniz]

Idea 13169 I call Aristotle's entelechies 'primitive forces', which originate activity [Leibniz]