Single Idea 19399

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / b. Prime matter]

Full Idea

Primary matter is nothing if considered at rest.

Gist of Idea

Prime matter is nothing when it is at rest

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Aristotle and Descartes on Matter [1671], p.90)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.90


A Reaction

This goes with Leibniz's Idea 13393, that activity is the hallmark of existence. No one seems to have been able to make good sense of prime matter, and it plays little role in Aristotle's writings.

Related Idea

Idea 13393 Any entity has the unique property of being that specific entity [Jubien]