Single Idea 12948

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / B. Perception / 3. Representation]

Full Idea

It is true that pain does not resemble the movement of a pin; but it might thoroughly resemble the motions which the pin causes in our body, and it might resemble them in the soul; and I have not the least doubt that it does.

Gist of Idea

A pain doesn't resemble the movement of a pin, but it resembles the bodily movement pins cause

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New Essays on Human Understanding [1704], 2.08)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'New Essays on Human Understanding', ed/tr. Remnant/Bennett [CUP 1996], p.132


A Reaction

He may not have the least doubt, but the rest of us do, I should think. Try as I will, I cannot see any resemblance between pain and a motion. What feeling does a pendulum resemble?