Single Idea 4817

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 2. Proofs of Reason / b. Ontological Proof critique]

Full Idea

If a thing can be conceived as non-existing, its essence does not involve existence.

Gist of Idea

If a thing can be conceived as non-existing, its essence does not involve existence

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Ax 7)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.46


A Reaction

This points straight at the modern question of whether conceivability is a sufficient test for possibility. Personally I am close to Hume on this one. Necessary existence may not be ridiculous, but it is beyond human capacity to assert its occurrence.