Single Idea 13432

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 1. Essences of Objects]

Full Idea

The essence of a circle consists in the equality of all lines drawn from its centre to its circumference.

Gist of Idea

The essence of a circle is the equality of its radii

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Thomasius [1669], 1669)

Book Reference

Cover,J/O'Leary-Hawthorne,J: 'Substance and Individuation in Leibniz' [CUP 1999], p.24


A Reaction

Compare Locke in Idea 13431 and Spinoza in Idea 13073 on the essence of geometrical figures. A key question is whether the essence is in the simplest definition, or in a complex and wide-ranging account, e.g. including conic sections for circles.

Related Ideas

Idea 13431 A space between three lines is both the nominal and real essence of a triangle, the source of its properties [Locke]

Idea 13073 To understand the properties we must know the essence, as with a circle [Spinoza]