The Philosophy of Leibniz : Metaphysics and Language: Metaphysics and LanguageGottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) is one of the most imposing figures in the history of Western thought. In this definitive treatment of his wide-ranging philosophical ideas, Benson Mates has brought his own formidable abilities to bear on the unwieldy--and virtually inaccessible--corpus of Leibniz's work. The result is an elegantly written and meticulously reasoned exegesis of the fundamental Leibniz, one that is destined to be a cornerstone of Leibniz scholarship for years to come. |
Contents
Introduction | 3 |
Life and Works | 14 |
The System in Outline | 36 |
Propositions and Concepts | 47 |
Possible Worlds | 69 |
Necessary and Contingent Truths | 105 |
Identity in the Actual World | 122 |
CrossWorld Identity | 137 |
Rigid Designators | 149 |
Leibnizs Nominalism and the Lingua Philosophica | 170 |
Leibnizian Substances | 189 |
Relations and Denominations | 209 |
Some Additional Texts | 222 |
Concluding Thoughts | 241 |
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Common terms and phrases
absolutely abstract accidents actual world aggregate Alexander animal Aristotle asserts attributes body Caesar called categorical propositions chap complete individual concept compossible conceived concept of Adam confusion considered contains contingent truth corresponding created criterion crossed the Rubicon defined definition distinction distinguish doctrine entity equivalent essential proposition everything example existential propositions expressed extrinsic denominations fact fall false Fasz follows G VII given Grua Guhrauer happen hence hypothetical ideas Identity of Indiscernibles imply impossible individual substance infinite interpretation involves language Leibniz says Leibniz seems Leibnizian LH IV vii logical matter means metaphysical mind monad necessary truth necessity nominalist notion Paris passage Pegasus perceive perceptions perfect concept Peter philosophical possible individual possible worlds predicate question reference relation salva veritate sense sentences similar singular Socrates soul space statements Sufficient Reason suppose t-stage texts Theodicy thought tion true proposition universe vidual words