TheodicyIn this 1710 treatise, Gottfried Liebniz's only book-length work, he applies the idea of philosophical "optimism"-that we live in the best of all possible worlds-to the "problem of evil"-If a benevolent God exists, why do terrible things happen? He explores the possibility that humanity's happiness is not necessarily part of God's plan. Much of Leibniz's thinking in the realm of the sciences flowed from his philosophy-he believed the universe to operate under simple, intelligible, interconnected rules. Understanding how he approached the metaphysical world and humanity's place in it is vital to understanding his contributions to modern science. The impact of the work of German mathematician GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ (1646-1716) on modern science and technology is all but incalculable. His notation for infinitesimal calculus-which he developed independently of Newton-remains in use today, and his invention of binary counting is the basis for modern computing. He was a powerfully influential philosopher as well, and is still considered, alongside Descartes and Spinoza, one of the great 17th-century rationalists. |
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Page 45
... question . It is not therefore possible that a human soul should execute that law . ' M. Leibniz supposes that the soul does not distinctly know its future perceptions , but that it perceives them confusedly , and that there are in each ...
... question . It is not therefore possible that a human soul should execute that law . ' M. Leibniz supposes that the soul does not distinctly know its future perceptions , but that it perceives them confusedly , and that there are in each ...
Page 47
... question of the origin of evil , and other matters which receive their fuller treatment in the Theodicy . In the ... questions of philosophy remain unhindered by your boundless researches into matters of fact . I too am not always able ...
... question of the origin of evil , and other matters which receive their fuller treatment in the Theodicy . In the ... questions of philosophy remain unhindered by your boundless researches into matters of fact . I too am not always able ...
Page 53
... question rather of presenting his supreme good- ness ; and they have assumed a despotic power when they should rather have conceived of a power ordered by the most perfect wisdom . I have observed that these opinions , apt to do harm ...
... question rather of presenting his supreme good- ness ; and they have assumed a despotic power when they should rather have conceived of a power ordered by the most perfect wisdom . I have observed that these opinions , apt to do harm ...
Page 55
... question for consideration is somewhat thorny , as for instance when one asks oneself , quod vitae sectabor iter ? what profession one must choose ; when it is a question of a marriage being arranged , of a war being undertaken , of a ...
... question for consideration is somewhat thorny , as for instance when one asks oneself , quod vitae sectabor iter ? what profession one must choose ; when it is a question of a marriage being arranged , of a war being undertaken , of a ...
Page 57
... question of judging the actions of others , or rather of answering objections , amongst which there are some even concerned with the actions of God , whereof I will speak presently . And as an insuperable necessity would open the door ...
... question of judging the actions of others , or rather of answering objections , amongst which there are some even concerned with the actions of God , whereof I will speak presently . And as an insuperable necessity would open the door ...
Contents
7 | |
49 | |
73 | |
ESSAYS ON THE JUSTICE OF GOD AND THE FREEDOM | 123 |
SUMMARY OF THE CONTROVERSY REDUCED TO FORMAL | 377 |
EXCURSUS ON THEODICY 392 | 392 |
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BOOK CONCERNING THE ORIGIN | 405 |
CAUSA DEI ASSERTA | 443 |
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Common terms and phrases
absolute according action admit already animals answer appears argument Aristotle Augsburg Confession Augustine Bayle believe body Carneades cause choice choose Chrysippus Cicero connexion consequence contingent contrary create creatures decrees Descartes determined difficulties divine doctrine dogma Epicurus equipoise eternal existence faith freedom give God's grace happen happy harmony Hobbes human ideas imperfection impossible inclination indifference infinite judgement justice kind knowledge laws Leibniz less Malebranche Manichaeans matter maxim means metaphysical metaphysical necessity mind Molinists monads moral evil motion Mysteries nature necessary necessity never nevertheless objection observed oneself opinion passage Paulicians perfect philosophers physical evil pleasure possible pre-established Pre-established Harmony principle produce prove punishment question reason reflexions Reply representation Rorarius Schoolmen sense Socinians sophism soul speak Spinoza substance sufficient Supralapsarians Theodicy theologians theology therein thereof things Thomists thought tion true truth understanding universe virtue wisdom wish Zoroaster