Single Idea 13169

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

Full Idea

Forms establish the true general principles of nature. Aristotle calls them 'first entelechies'; I call them, perhaps more intelligibly, 'primitive forces', which contain not only act or the completion of possibility, but also an original activity.

Gist of Idea

I call Aristotle's entelechies 'primitive forces', which originate activity

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (New system of communication of substances [1695], p.139)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.139


A Reaction

As in Idea 13168, I take Leibniz to be unifying Aristotle with modern science, and offering an active view of nature in tune with modern scientific essentialism. Laws arise from primitive force, and are not imposed from without.

Related Ideas

Idea 13168 My formal unifying atoms are substantial forms, which are forces like appetites [Leibniz]

Idea 12783 Primitive force is what gives a composite its reality [Leibniz]

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