Midterm Philosophy Study Giude

What year was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz born?

1646

In which German city was Leibniz born?

Leipzig, Germany

What year did Leibniz die?

1716

In which city did Leibniz die?

Hanover, Germany

What fields did Leibniz contribute to?

Philosophy, mathematics, and logic.

What is the title of Leibniz's philosophical text that introduces monads?

Monadology

What does the term 'monad' refer to in Leibniz's philosophy?

The utility of basic substances on a metaphysical level that makes all things exist.

What is the primary focus of metaphysics?

The fundamental nature of reality.

What are the two main branches of metaphysics?

Ontology and Physics.

What does ontology study?

The study of being and existence.

What does physics in metaphysics concern itself with?

The nature of the universe and its phenomena.

What does Leibniz argue about the existence of God?

There is an explanation for everything that must be found outside of the universe, which he identifies as God.

What is the Principle of Sufficient Reason?

There are reasons for everything, even when we don’t know them.

What is the Principle of Differentiation?

Everything is going to be different.

What does the Principle of Identity of Indiscernibles state?

If two entities are indistinguishable, they are in fact different.

What is entelechy in Leibniz's philosophy?

An entity that is self-contained.

Name one of the five parts that make up a monad.

Indivisible.

Name another part that characterizes a monad.

Unextended (not in space and time).

What does it mean that mondads cannot be destroyed?

They are eternal and cannot cease to exist.

What is the importance of perception in Leibniz's view of monads?

It represents a multiplicity in the unity or simple substance.

What is appetition in Leibniz's philosophy?

The internal principle that causes change from one perception to another.

How did Leibniz view God?

God is absolutely perfect.

What is the main theme of Leibniz's work 'Theodicy'?

Reconciling the existence of evil with the goodness of God.

What was Leibniz's perspective on seeking fame?

He was not driven by fame, allowing him to focus on intellectual pursuits.

How is Leibniz's writing characterized?

Noted for clarity and accessibility.

What did Leibniz leave behind at his death?

A vast collection of papers contributing to various fields.

What does Leibniz argue regarding the universe's explanation?

It must be something outside itself, which he identifies as God.

What unique feature do mondads possess regarding their existence?

Mondads can only begin by creation and end by annihilation.

What does the assertion that each monad differs from every other monad imply?

Each monad must possess a unique identity.

According to Leibniz, what internal principle drives change in monads?

Natural changes must occur from an internal principle.

What is the significance of clarity in Leibniz's writings?

It makes complex ideas easier to understand for readers.

What key idea does 'Monadology' present?

It outlines Leibniz's metaphysical system based on monads.

What is Leibniz's philosophical stance on the best possible world?

He argues that this world is the best of all possible worlds.

Which philosophical principle suggests that there are reasons for everything?

The Principle of Sufficient Reason.

What concept describes the endlessness of monads?

Mondads cannot begin or end.

What metaphor does Leibniz use to describe the interaction of monads?

Windless (interacting with one another).

How does Leibniz's philosophy relate to the nature of substances?

It posits that reality is composed of simple substances known as monads.