Leibniz

by Perkins, Franklin

• ISBN13: 9780826489203
• ISBN10: 0826489206
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-07-10
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Author Biography

Franklin Perkins is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at DePaul University, Chicago, USA

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. vi
Abbreviations	p. viii
Reading Leibniz	p. 1
Context of Leibniz's philosophy	p. 1
Difficulties of reading Leibniz	p. 7
Using this book	p. 12
God and the best possible world	p. 15
Two principles of knowledge	p. 15
The existence of God	p. 20
The nature of God	p. 25
The best of all possible worlds	p. 41
Substances	p. 61
Substance in early modern philosophy	p. 61
The simplicity and unity of substance in Leibniz	p. 66
Substances as points of view on the universe	p. 79
Interaction and pre-established harmony	p. 90
Rational minds	p. 108
Minute perceptions and levels of awareness	p. 108
Necessary truths and innate ideas	p. 121
Knowledge	p. 130
Identity and choice	p. 142
Leibniz's philosophy and Leibniz as philosopher	p. 161
References	p. 166
Bibliography	p. 169
Index	p. 171
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