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The Nature of Reality and the Reality of Nature: A Study of Leibniz’s Double-Aspect Ontology and the Labyrinth of the Continuum
Author(s): Jürgen Lawrenz (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
- Publication Date: 19 Jan. 2010
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 293 pages
- ISBN-10: 1443817244
- ISBN-13: 9781443817240
Book Description
This new, comprehensive study of Leibniz’s system of thought reveals a philosopher equally intrigued by the complexity of physical reality and the fascinations of his metaphysical laboratory. Many of his most important, but never previously published papers are evaluated in this book. Too often put down as an arch-metaphysician, Leibniz is seen in these pages as a venturer of breathtaking boldness, his ambition being nothing less than to actually solve the enigma of existence. Accordingly his system embraced science equally with metaphysics; they complement and pollinate each other. The outcome is a view of his system as a double ontology. Reality is the domain of the actual; metaphysics the laboratory of the possible. Metaphysics springs to life with his scintillating detective work on force, motion, time, space, limits, infinity, folds, fractals and many other issues that are ‘hot’ again today; while in all these a direct line is kept open to their impact on physical existents and our understanding of reality. This book is equally suited to expert Leibnizians as to students of Early Modern philosophy; and it may be read with profit by anyone interested in this thinker, whom Bertrand Russell called “one of the supreme intellects of all time”.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Amongst his immediate philosophical precursors and contemporaries, Leibniz was the most informed in the history of philosophy and logic, the most scientifically innovative, and the most metaphysically dazzling – and difficult. Like few other studies, Jurgen Lawrenz appreciates all Leibniz’s beauty, originality and complexity. His book is an invaluable contribution to Leibniz studies which deserves to become the standard work in the field. –Dr Wayne Cristaudo, Division Head, European Studies, The University of Hong Kong
The Nature of Reality offers a staunchly realist reading of Leibniz. Lawrenz provides one the most extended rebuttals of any idealist interpretation of Leibniz available, and the book will doubtless provoke much controversy. –Stephen Gaukroger, Professor of the History of Philosophy and Science, University of Sydney
Jürgen Lawrenz adds to the recent reinterpretations of Leibniz s philosophy with his provocative and illuminating view of Leibniz as a double-aspect ontologist. This is a clear and systematically argued work that should be of interest to all concerned with Europe s complex philosophical heritage. –Paul Redding, the University of Sydney
About the Author
Jürgen Lawrenz was born and educated in Germany, but now lives in Sydney, Australia. He gained his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Sydney, where he also lectured on 17th century philosophy. In addition, he has published in the areas of Greek and German philosophy, aesthetics, history of ideas and music.
