Between Learned Science and Technical Knowledge: Leibniz, Leeuwenhoek and the School for Microscopists

Becchi, Alessandro

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-38830-4_3

Cited by 17 publications

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

Leibniz, the microscope and the concept of preformation

Becchi

2017

HPLS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In recent years a certain emphasis has been put by some scholars on Leibniz's concern about empirical sciences and the relations between such concern and the development of his mature metaphysical system. In this paper I focus on Leibniz's interest for the microscope and the astonishing discoveries that such instrument made possible in the field of the life sciences during the last part of the Seventeenth century. The observation of physical bodies carried out by the "magnifying glasses" revealed a matter swarming everywhere with life and activity, contrary to the cartesian and atomistic view of matter as something sterile and passive. Moreover, the discovery of uncountable complete "animalcula" living in the smallest drop of water provided evidence for the idea of the preformation of every organism. During his lifetime, Leibniz was extremely watchful about the new microscopical discoveries and came into contact with some of the major "observers" of his time, such as Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Swammerdam and Malpighi. Relying both on some passages in Leibniz's texts and on recent critical studies, I will argue that important aspects of his metaphysics have been strongly affected by the empirical observation of the "invisible world" which the microscope made possible. In the last part of the paper I show how the concept of "preformation", originally drawn from the context of the life sciences, comes to play in Leibniz's philosophy a very general role, going far beyond the scope of biology and shaping important aspects of his overall philosophical system.

show abstract

Leibniz, the microscope and the concept of preformation

Becchi

2017

HPLS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Leibniz's Key Philosophical Writings

2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) is one of the most important and influential philosophers of the modern period, offering a wealth of original ideas in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophical theology, among them his signature doctrines such as substance and monads, pre-established harmony, and optimism. This volume contains introductory chapters on eleven of Leibniz’s key philosophical writings, covering youthful works (“Confessio philosophi”, “De summa rerum”), seminal middle-period writings (“Discourse on Metaphysics”, “New System”), to masterpieces of his maturity (“Monadology”, “Discourse on the Natural Theology of the Chinese”), as well as his two main philosophical books (New Essays on Human Understanding, and Theodicy), and three of his most important philosophical correspondences, with Antoine Arnauld, Burcher de Volder, and Samuel Clarke. The chapters, written by internationally renowned experts on Leibniz, offer clear, accessible accounts of the ideas and arguments of these key writings, along with valuable information about their composition and context. By focusing on the primary texts, these chapters enable readers to attain a solid understanding of what each text says and why, and give them the confidence to read the texts themselves. Offering a detailed and chronological view of Leibniz’s philosophy and its development through some of his most important writings, this volume is an invaluable guide for those encountering Leibniz for the first time. However, the chapters also contain much material that will enrich the understanding of those already familiar with Leibniz’s ideas.

show abstract

Copyright Page

2020

Leibniz's Key Philosophical Writings

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Between Learned Science and Technical Knowledge: Leibniz, Leeuwenhoek and the School for Microscopists

Cited by 17 publications

References 5 publications

Leibniz, the microscope and the concept of preformation

Leibniz, the microscope and the concept of preformation

Leibniz's Key Philosophical Writings

Copyright Page

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About