Single Idea 5049

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / a. Nature of pleasure]

Full Idea

An intelligent being's pleasure is simply the perception of beauty, order and perfection.

Gist of Idea

Intelligent pleasure is the perception of beauty, order and perfection

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (A Résumé of Metaphysics [1697], §18)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.146


A Reaction

Leibniz seems to have inherited this from the Greeks, especially Pythagoras and Plato. Buried in Leibniz's remark I see the Christian fear of physical pleasure. He should have got out more. Must an intelligent being always be intelligent?