Simplicity and substantiality : the development of 'simple substance' as a key notion in Leibniz's philosophy
In this thesis, I will argue that there are various considerations which drove Leibniz to the adoption of simplicity as a fundamental criterion for substantiality. âSimplicityâ seems to be a deceivingly obvious term, but on closer inspection it turns out to be nonetheless in need of further explanation. Leibnizâs definition as that which is âwithout partsâ does not lead us to an understanding unless it is clearly set out what âbeing a partâ entails and whether simplicity goes beyond indivisibility. The reconstruction of such considerations will be of help in carving out a more determinate content of this notion as it features in Leibnizâs metaphysical system, and will explain how it came to be assigned a core function in his philosophy. Various undertakings throughout his lifetime about activity, unity, indivisibility and impredicability finally culminate in the notion of simplicity. Within this overall development, several different areas of science and philosophy have taken influence on Leibnizâs considerations. There is, obviously, an overreaching metaphysical strand, which tries to account for a notion of substance that is in accordance with the requirements from other, more specific
Tropper, Sarah
Simplicity and substantiality : the development of 'simple substance' as a key notion in Leibniz's philosophy. In this thesis, I will argue that there are various considerations which drove Leibniz to the adoption of simplicity as a fundamental criterion for substantiality. âSimplicityâ seems to be a deceivingly obvious term, but on closer inspection it turns out to be nonetheless in need of further explanation. Leibnizâs definition as that which is âwithout partsâ does not lead us to an understanding unless it is clearly set out what âbeing a partâ entails and whether simplicity goes beyond indivisibility. The reconstruction of such considerations will be of help in carving out a more determinate content of this notion as it features in Leibnizâs metaphysical system, and will explain how it came to be assigned a core function in his philosophy. Various undertakings throughout his lifetime about activity, unity, indivisibility and impredicability finally culminate in the notion of simplicity. Within this overall development, several different areas of science and philosophy have taken influence on Leibnizâs considerations. There is, obviously, an overreaching metaphysical strand, which tries to account for a notion of substance that is in accordance with the requirements from other, more specific
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