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Full Idea
An accident is a mode of conceiving a body.
Clarification
'Accidents' are contingent features
Gist of Idea
Accidents are just modes of thinking about bodies
Source
Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 2.08.02)
Book Ref
Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.54
A Reaction
In contrast to the other thinkers who followed Suárez on modes in the early 17th century, Hobbes thinks they are just ways of 'conceiving' bodies, rather than actual features of them.