Single Idea 16507

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / c. Essence and laws]

Full Idea

Nothing is permanent in a substance except the law itself which determines the continuous succession of its states and accords within the individual substance with the laws of nature that govern the whole world.

Gist of Idea

The law within something fixes its persistence, and accords with general laws of nature

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690], G II:263), quoted by David Wiggins - Sameness and Substance 3 epig

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance' [Blackwell 1980], p.76


A Reaction

An interesting link between the law-of-series within a substance, and the broader concept of laws outside it.

Related Idea

Idea 13093 The only permanence in things, constituting their substance, is a law of continuity [Leibniz]