Single Idea 5047

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 7. Natural Necessity]

Full Idea

Although the world is not metaphysically necessary, such that its contrary would imply a contradiction or logical absurdity, it is necessary physically, that is, determined in such a way that its contrary would imply imperfection or moral absurdity.

Gist of Idea

The world is physically necessary, as its contrary would imply imperfection or moral absurdity

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On the Ultimate Origination of Things [1697], p.139)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.139


A Reaction

How does Leibniz know things like this? The distinction between 'metaphysical' necessity and 'natural' (what he calls 'physical') necessity is a key idea. But natural necessity is controversial. See 'Essentialism'.