Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'Preface to Universal Characteristic' and 'Metaphysics'

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3 ideas

1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 2. Invocation to Philosophy
All other human gifts can harm us, but not correct reasoning [Leibniz]
     Full Idea: Although people can be made worse off by all other gifts, correct reasoning alone can only be for the good.
     From: Gottfried Leibniz (Preface to Universal Characteristic [1679])
     A reaction: How about a kind heart? Not everyone would agree with the remark, but philosophers should.
7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 8. Stuff / a. Pure stuff
A composite is a true unity if all of its parts fall under one essence [Scheibler]
     Full Idea: A composite entity is a unum per se if the partial entities that are in it are contained under one common essence. …In water, all those parts are contained under one essence of water.
     From: Chistoph Scheibler (Metaphysics [1650], I.4.1 n9), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671
     A reaction: Water mixed with wine is said to be an 'ens per accidens'. This is an unusual but possible view, that all the water there is is a single thing, united by its compositional essence. When we talk about 'water', we include possible water, and past water.
21. Aesthetics / C. Artistic Issues / 7. Art and Morality
Musical performance can reveal a range of virtues [Damon of Ath.]
     Full Idea: In singing and playing the lyre, a boy will be likely to reveal not only courage and moderation, but also justice.
     From: Damon (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B4), quoted by (who?) - where?