Leibniz's Metaphysics: Its Origins and Development

ISBN-13: 9780521403016 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 544 str.

Christia Mercer

Opis

Christia Mercer has exposed for the first time the underlying doctrines of Leibniz's philosophy. By analyzing Leibniz's early works she demonstrates that the metaphysics of pre-established harmony developed many years earlier than previously believed and for reasons that have not been understood. A much deeper understanding of some of Leibniz's key doctrines emerges. Christia Mercer's study will force scholars to reconsider their basic assumptions about early modern philosophy and science. This is a very significant contribution to the history of early modern philosophy that will be of special importance to philosophers, historians of ideas, historians of science and those in religious studies.

Recenzje

'Mercer's …arguments are well researched, her analysis of the early theological writings thorough and enlightening. For too long, Leibniz scholars have conveniently avoided the questions with which she is concerned. In taking up this challenge she is to be congratulated unreservedly. The importance of a book is often to be measured by the debate it provokes. That there will be intensive discussion of her arguments is something of which there can be no doubt.' Endeavour

Spis treści

Acknowledgments; References to Leibniz's works; Introduction: first truths and half truths; Part I. Metaphysics of Method: 1. Eclecticism and conciliation, 1661–68; Part II. Metaphysics of Substance: 2. Aristotelian assumptions, 1668–69; 3. Original conception of substance, 1669; 4. Second conception of substance, 1669–early 1671; Part III. Metaphysics of Divinity: 5. Platonist assumptions; 6. Metaphysics of divinity, 1668–early 1671; Part IV. Metaphysics: 7. Matter, passivity, and panorganic vitalism 1670–71; 8. Phenomenalism and preestablished harmony, 1671; 9. Preestablished harmony, late 1671–early 1672; 10. Final steps toward the mature philosophy, 1672–79; Conclusion: the truth behind the First truths; Appendices; Bibliography; Index locorum; Index.