Just a note: I ain't no philosopher; I have received no formal training, and therefore I hold no qualifications in the subject. I am simply an educated individual with an enquiring mind that encompasses several acadaemic topics. I make no pretence of having deep knowledge and understanding of most of what I write in this blog. My particular field of expertise is cellular genetics and biochemistry. With all that said, I have a wandering/wondering intellect that restlessly and carelessly seeks to take part and learn of the marvels of the world. I invite criticism of my work. I will not take offence at contrary comments as long as they are respectful. My wife may call me a 'know-it-all', but we know better.
According to the esteemed British philosopher and mathematician, Bertrand Russel, the German savant of the 17th century, Gottfried Leibnitz was, 'One of the supreme intellects of all time'. This is quite the accolade from a man who was no intellectual slouch himself. And indeed, the 17th century was a remarkable time, heralding in the 'Scientific Revolution'. Leibnitz's contemporaries included the acclaimed polymath, Isaac Newton- possibly the greatest scientist of all time (discuss). There are others too many to list here. The 17th century was an astonishing century for the production of great folk of intellectual genius. I'll leave it to my readers to seek out other remarkable individuals whose contributions to science, mathematics and philosophy simply boggle the mind.
This brief post just scratches the surface when it comes to Leibnitz. It is a mere introduction to an introduction. The more I read about this man, the more I am in awe of his intellect. The sheer breadth and depth of his scholarship invite grandeur, and I can only gape in admiration of his achievements in metaphysics, science, mathematics, logic, linguistics, engineering, geology and even computer science. Therefore, this post is just the first in a series that will delve deeper into the wondrous insights of this Great Man. Sadly, Leibnitz is hardly remembered in Anglophone countries these days, except by specialists. Considering his vast contribution to scholarship and knowledge, the lack of awareness and interest in this man is criminal, and I declare that part of the UK curriculum should include obligatory introductory courses outlining his achievements.
Leibnitz* was born in the German town of Leipzig in 1646 during the dying embers of the Thirty Years' War (another post mayhap?). His father was then a professor of philosophy. Young Gottfried studied law and, at the tender age of 20, obtained a doctorate at Altdorf. A good education of the time required the eager student to be thoroughly steeped in 'Scholastic Philosophy'. This philosophical system was based on the extensive teachings of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). In turn, Aquinas relied heavily on the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. By the mid-17th century, 'free-thinking' students were starting to rebel against these church-inspired teachings. Scholasticism was becoming to be seen as stodgy, dogmatic, and archaic, with little relevance to the developing ideas of the New Science. Liebnitz was of this ilk and became averse to the malign influence of the 'good doctor' on European universities. A little digression is required: at this time, the distinction between philosophy and science was a tad blurred. What we would regard as 'true science' was often subsumed under the overarching concept of philosophy. With time, the subjects would part ways and science would achieve wonders, while true philosophy would continue to amass baseless concepts and commentary (a tad harsh and wrong, Flaxen!). Here endeth the discussion.
Leibnitz was a true polymath, as was his arch-rival, Newton. The days of the polymath are no more. Ever-expanding scientific knowledge and the advent of micro-specialisation guarantee we will never see their kind again. Of course, when discussing Leibnitz, it is impossible not to compare him with Newton. Both men were rare geniuses of a high order. While Newton was an empiricist, Leibnitz placed greater emphasis on rational, logical deduction. Both men invented calculus independently. Leibnitz contribution involved integration, while Newton founded differentiation. A rift occurred between the two scholars concerning primacy. Newton could be exceedingly nasty and spiteful if he felt that his genius was to be challenged. At the time, it was determined, in Britain at least, that Newton was the first to unravel the mysteries of this powerful mathematical system. Modern historical investigation supports this view. Newton discovered calculus first, but was tardy in its widespread reveal.
After this expansive introduction, tis time for a fleeting look at some of Leibnitz's achievements.
Monadology and Other Philosophies
Leibnitz's concept of 'Monads' was his metaphysical attempt to apply a universal system to reality. He envisaged that everything was composed of an infinite number of entities Leibnitz labelled monads. Monads represent the fundamental state of everything. They are non-physical and represent a nondivisible unit of self-aware 'force'- ultimately energy. They occupy no space; however, each monad mirrors the entire universe from its own perspective. Leibnitz's Monadology is not as simple as it first appears, as it represents an ambitious attempt to unify everything and overcome a series of philosophical problems under a single concept. Several categories of monads exist, each with its own particular attributes. Thus, there are monads that represent matter, a second class concerns cognition, and ultimately, the supreme monad is a concept of god. As my regular readers are aware, I'm not a great fan of metaphysics. It belongs to a bygone age of intellectual development best left to Ancient Greek Thought and its subsequent expansion in the Middle Ages. Science conquers all. However, I have to make an exception with Leibnitz. His concept of Monadology is expansive, all-encompassing and extremely logical. The more I read about his metaphysics, the more I appreciate its innate beauty and harmony. Tis an impressive logical edifice. In a certain light, it anticipates quantum physics and panpsychism. It is certainly deserving of a deeper delve in a future post. I can't help but think that his ultimate reliance on the 'God Concept' is redundant. However, some free thinkers of the time were not yet ready to discard reliance on supernatural agencies. Educated men of the 17th century were generally pious, so perhaps I shouldn't be too harsh. True naturalistic development would coalesce later, resulting in the discarding of superannuated constructs. Enter the shade of Darwin, stage left.
Leibnitz wrote extensively on metaphysics and published a treatise on Theodicy that argued that god created 'The best possible of all worlds.' He was heavily criticised and mocked by the French intellectual, Voltaire, for this misplaced optimism. All theodicies ultimately fail due to the inherent evil evident in this world. Why would a supposed all-powerful, all-loving god embed the horrors and unmitigated evils into existence? He also developed 'proofs' for god. His theodicy and extreme advocacy are obvious to the modern mind as sophistry run wild, and his arguments for 'letting god off the hook' are easily revealed as philosophic sycophancy better suited to the brutal Middle Ages. As said, he was a deeply religious man, like Newton, and his philosophy reflects his religious devotion. However, by the late 17th century, his extreme religious views were becoming misplaced and outdated.
Calculus and Mathematics Akimbo
I have already alluded to Leibnitz's work on the branch of mathematics known today as calculus. Sufficient to reiterate here that he was not the originator, although his contribution was independent of Newton, and today, we use Leibnitz's notation rather than Newton's. Also, Leibnitz invented a mechanical calculating machine (Stepped Reckoner) that implemented the four basic functions of calculation more efficiently than any preceding machine. This machine was used for centuries and anticipated the fundamentals of computing technology. And let us not forget that he also developed the Binary System, the basis of modern computing. And if this was not enough, Leibnitz made important contributions to the developing field of statistics.
Engineering
Leibnitz worked on the design of a wind-powered water drainage pump for mines. Although the project ultimately failed, it was an early attempt to combine mechanical power systems and demonstrated his theoretical and intellectual reach, as well as his ability to apply theory to practice.
Logic
Leibnitz worked tirelessly to systemise syllogistic reasoning by introducing a small number of axioms based on deduction. He introduced algebraic notation to represent logical connections, thereby heralding foundational concepts in Symbolic Logic.
Final Comment
I will stop here, not because I have come to the limits of this man's formidable achievements and contributions to knowledge. There is more to be said, but that will have to wait for fuure post(s). Leibnitz was a voluminous writer, and much of what he wrote did not get published in his lifetime. Indeed, the final release of all his work was only completed in the latter half of the 20th century. Russell was of the opinion that much of his unpublished work was actually more profound than his published work. If possible, I will see if I can't tease out some of Leribnitz's more radical and deeply thoughtful musings.
Gottfried Leibnitz/Leibniz*
Usually, 'Leibnitz' is rendered 'Leibniz'. My spelling of the name is not incorrect; it is just uncommon. Nuff said.
