Single Idea 17183

[catalogued under 10. Modality / A. Necessity / 10. Impossibility]

Full Idea

A thing is said to be impossible either because the essence of the thing itself or its definition involves a contradiction, or because no external cause exists determinate to the production of such a thing.

Gist of Idea

Things are impossible if they imply contradiction, or their production lacks an external cause

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Pr 33)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.31


A Reaction

Is the contradiction in nature or in logic? How can he be sure that there doesn't exist some causeless thing?