The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, Vol. I, Nos. 1-4, 1867Various
Philosophy
The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, Vol. I, Nos. 1-4, 1867
Various
Philosophy -- Periodicals
21. And it does not by any means follow, in that case, that the simple
substance is without perception: that, indeed, is impossible, for the
reasons given above; for it cannot perish, neither can it subsist
without affection of some kind, which is nothing else than its
perception. But where there is a great number of minute perceptions, and
where nothing is distinct, one is stunned, as when we turn round and
round in continual succession in the same direction; whence arises a
vertigo, which may cause us to faint, and which prevents us from
distinguishing anything. And possibly death may produce this state for a
time in animals.
22. And as every present condition of a simple substance is a natural
consequence of its antecedent condition, so its present is big with its
future.
23. Then, as on awaking from a state of stupor, we become conscious of
our perceptions, we must have had perceptions, although unconscious of
them, immediately before awaking. For each perception can have no other
natural origin but an antecedent perception, as every motion must be
derived from one which preceded it.
24. Thus it appears that if there were no distinction—no relief, so to
speak—no enhanced flavor in our perceptions, we should continue forever
in a state of stupor; and this is the condition of the naked Monad.
25. And so we see that nature has given to animals enhanced perceptions,
by the care which she has taken to furnish them with organs which
collect many rays of light and many undulations of air, increasing their
efficacy by their union. There is something approaching to this in odor,
in taste, in touch, and perhaps in a multitude of other senses of which
we have no knowledge. I shall presently explain how that which passes in
the soul represents that which takes place in the organs.
26. Memory gives to the soul a kind of consecutive action which imitates
reason, but must be distinguished from it. We observe that animals,
having a perception of something which strikes them, and of which they
have previously had a similar perception, expect, through the
representation of their memory, the recurrence of that which was
associated with it in their previous perception, and incline to the same
feelings which they then had. For example, when we show dogs the cane,
they remember the pain which it caused them, and whine and run.
27. And the lively imagination, which strikes and excites them, arises
from the magnitude or the multitude of their previous perceptions. For
often a powerful impression produces suddenly the effect of long habit,
or of moderate perceptions often repeated.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account