Leibniz's Metaphysics
Leibniz's Metaphysics
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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.
- Major work in history of philosophy reassessing a key philosopher
- Strong market for books such as this in early modern philosophy
Reviews & endorsements
"...a closely argued interpretation of the early Leibniz that draws on a wide range of materials in and beyond the Leibnizian corpus. ...this work will lead to a substantial reconfiguring of our understanding of the early Leibniz." The Philosophical Review
"...Mercer's book constitutes an impressive and outspoken piece of research which forcefully promotes and advances in the Anglo-American world a new way of approaching the history of philosophy." Journal of the History of Philosophy
"This is a bold book, one that radically challenges the accepted views of Leibniz and his development: it will change how we understand his mature philosophy. Though it will be controversial, her position is one that must be reckoned with. Leibniz's Metaphysics: Its Origins and Development will not be ignored; it will be read and passionately debated for years to come." Daniel Garber, University of Chicago
Product details
- Published: November 2001
- Format: Hardback
- ISBN: 9780521403016
- Length: 544 pages
- Dimensions: 237 × 162 × 32 mm
- Weight: 0.811kg
- Availability: Available
Table of Contents
- 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.
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