On Leibniz

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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) is recognized as one of history's great minds, known for independently inventing calculus alongside Sir Isaac Newton. His metaphysical ideas have significantly influenced Western philosophy from Kant’s era to the present. Distinguished philosopher Nicholas Rescher has passionately studied Leibniz for over fifty years. This collection features eleven essays that delve into various aspects of Leibniz's work and life, highlighting his enduring impact on philosophy. Rescher presents clear snapshots of Leibniz’s ontology, including his theories on possible worlds, contingency, space-time, and intermonadic relationships. He also reveals Leibniz's contributions to epistemology and methodology, linking them to figures like John Maynard Keynes and Talmudic scholarship, thus expanding the traditional view of Leibniz as solely a metaphysical thinker. Additionally, Rescher includes four biographical essays that contextualize Leibniz's scholarly development and career, illustrating his connections with prominent intellectuals and politicians of his time, such as Spinoza, Huygens, and Czar Peter the Great. The collection concludes with an essay advocating Leibniz's philosophical approach as a model for contemporary scholars, suggesting that many current issues can be addressed through principles inspired by his monadology. This work is essential for students of both Leibniz and Rescher.