Leibniz's Metaphysics: Its Origins and Development / Edition 1

by Christia Mercer

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521029926
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/22/2007
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	544
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 1.38(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

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.

Editorial Reviews

"...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

From the Publisher