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. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 26
Page 53
... thereof an evil principle have been renewed sometimes in our own days : people have pleaded the irresistible power of God when it was a question rather of presenting his supreme good- ness ; and they have assumed a despotic power when ...
... thereof an evil principle have been renewed sometimes in our own days : people have pleaded the irresistible power of God when it was a question rather of presenting his supreme good- ness ; and they have assumed a despotic power when ...
Page 82
... thereof by philosophers . He was , however , aiming at the famous Caselius , a man esteemed by the princes and scholars of his time ; and Henry Julius , Duke of Brunswick ( son of Julius , founder of the University ) , having taken the ...
... thereof by philosophers . He was , however , aiming at the famous Caselius , a man esteemed by the princes and scholars of his time ; and Henry Julius , Duke of Brunswick ( son of Julius , founder of the University ) , having taken the ...
Page 93
... thereof accessary in another's sin of commission . 33. But it must be borne in mind that when one has foreseen the evil and has not prevented it although it seems as if one could have done so with ease , and one has even done things ...
... thereof accessary in another's sin of commission . 33. But it must be borne in mind that when one has foreseen the evil and has not prevented it although it seems as if one could have done so with ease , and one has even done things ...
Page 104
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
Page 114
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
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 |
Other editions - View all
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