Midterm Philosophy Study Giude

Overview of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Biography and Legacy

• Leibniz was born in 1646 in Leipzig, Germany, and died in 1716 in Hanover, Germany, marking a significant period in the development of philosophy and mathematics.

• He was not driven by a desire for fame, which allowed him to focus on his intellectual pursuits without the distractions of public recognition.

• Leibniz left behind a vast collection of papers, many of which contributed to various fields including philosophy, mathematics, and logic.

• His writings are noted for their clarity and accessibility, making complex ideas easier to understand for readers.

• Leibniz is recognized as a mathematician and philosopher, contributing foundational ideas in calculus and metaphysics.

Major Works

• Monadology: A philosophical text that outlines Leibniz's metaphysical system, introducing the concept of monads as simple substances that make up reality.

• Theodicy: A work that attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with the goodness of God, arguing that the world is the best of all possible worlds.

Metaphysics and Its Branches

Understanding Metaphysics

• Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that explores the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the universe.

• It is divided into two main branches:

• Ontology: The study of being and existence, addressing questions like 'Why is there being to begin with?'.

  • Physics: Concerned with the nature of the universe and its phenomena, answering questions like 'What is the nature of the universe?'.

Leibniz's Philosophical Arguments

Contingency Arguments for the Existence of God

• Leibniz presents a structured argument for the existence of God based on the principle of sufficient reason:

1. Everything that exists has an explanation for its existence.

2. If the universe has an explanation, then it must be something outside of itself.

3. That explanation is God, who is the necessary being that provides the ultimate reason for existence.

Principles in Leibniz's Philosophy

Essentials for Understanding the Bible

• Leibniz outlines four essential principles that underpin his philosophical and theological views:

1. Principle of Sufficient Reason: There are reasons for everything even when we dont know it.

2. Principle of Differentiation: Everything is going to be different.

3. Principle of Identity of Indiscernibles: Something that is the same, is in fact bound to be different ( example: 2 different coca cola cans )

4. Entelechy: An entity that is self contained.

What is a mondad ?

Mondad : the utility of basic substances on a metaphysical level that makes all things exist.

The Mondad has 5 Parts that make it, they are,

1. Indivisible

2. Unextended ( not in space and time )

3. Cannot be destroyed

4. Windless ( interacting with one another )

5. They are like Meta Animals ( not physical )

Mondads cannot begin or end.

Mondads begin only by creation

Mondads end by annihilation.

Each Mondad must be different from every other.

The natural changes from mondads must be from an internal principle.

Perception: A multiplicity in the unity or simple substance.

Appetition: The action of the internal principle change from one perception to another

God is absolutely Perfect.