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Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm, Freiherr von, 1646-1716 Books
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John Dewey
Leibniz's New Essays Concerning the Human Understanding: A Critical Exposition
"Leibniz's New Essays Concerning the Human Understanding: A Critical Exposition" by John Dewey is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This work critically explores the ideas of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, particularly focusing on his perspectives in "Nouveaux Essais" and examining the foundations of human understanding through rationalist philosophy. The text aims to connect Leibniz's thoughts with contemporary philosophical discussions while highlighting the significance of his ideas in the evolution of modern thought. The opening of the work provides a biographical sketch of Leibniz, illustrating the formative experiences that shaped his philosophical pursuits. Dewey discusses Leibniz's early education and intellectual development, emphasizing the influences of his family, mentors, and significant encounters with contemporary thinkers. The narrative weaves through Leibniz’s academic journey, highlighting his ventures into multiple disciplines, including law, mathematics, and philosophy, as a quest for a harmonious understanding of the universe, which foreshadows his later philosophical contributions. This exposition serves as a foundation for a deeper exploration of Leibniz's thought and its lasting impact on philosophy and science.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Leibnitz' Monadologie Deutsch mit einer Abhandlung über Leibnitz' und Herbart's Theorieen des wirklichen Geschehens
"Leibnitz' Monadologie" by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is a philosophical text written in 1714. In ninety concise paragraphs, Leibniz presents a radical metaphysical vision: reality consists of simple, indivisible substances called monads. These countless monads exist in a pre-established harmony orchestrated by God, each perceiving the universe from its unique perspective without directly interacting. Leibniz proposes a hierarchical cosmos where mind and body synchronize perfectly, explaining existence through an elegant, though counterintuitive, clockwork universe of coordinated but isolated substances.
Wilhelm Max Wundt
Leibniz: Zu seinem zweihunderjährigen Todestag 14. November 1916
"Leibniz: Zu seinem zweihundertjährigen Todestag 14. November 1916" by Wilhelm Wundt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work provides an exploration of the life and contributions of the eminent philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, particularly focusing on his impact on both science and philosophy, as well as the intellectual context of his time. The opening of this study presents Wundt's reflections on the challenges of writing a scientific biography of Leibniz, detailing his long-standing interest in the philosopher's ideas. Wundt discusses how his encounters with Leibniz's work over the years have reshaped his understanding of modern German philosophy, with a specific emphasis on Leibniz's contributions to mathematical and physical sciences. He intends to illuminate the pathways by which Leibniz developed his philosophical ideas, positioning them as imaginative connections among evolving scientific theories rather than strictly logical systems. Wundt's narrative sets the stage for a deeper examination of Leibniz's significance against the backdrop of broader philosophical movements in the 17th century and their implications for future generations of thinkers.
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