Leibniz's Theory Of Space, Time And Motion

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INTRODUCTION: Space, Time and motion were three interrelated concepts which have been very difficult by the philosophers to arrive at a proper understanding since the ancient times. By there has been consensus that a proper understanding of motion would lend a hand in addressing the questions on the nature of the other two concepts namely space and time. Depending on the nature of approach to the problem of space and time, the philosophers mainly addressed three key concerns. They are as follows: • The Metaphysical Concern: This concern on the whole tries to resolve question, ‘What are space and time?’ For instance, the works of Leibniz and Clarke attempt to respond to this question. • The Physical Concern: This concern basically focuses…show more content…
Instead, his works are in the form of various essays, books, and correspondences. This clearly explains that there are several ways to elucidate Leibniz’s philosophy. Leibniz develops a remarkable philosophical system by employing various principles like the principle of sufficient reason, the law of contradiction, and the identity of indiscernibles. By this philosophical system, Leibniz pits forth an elaborate and exhaustive account of reality. Eventually Leibniz held the view that, the universe contained only God and non-composite, immaterial, simple entities called “monads.” In addition to this, space, time, causation, material objects, among other things, are all illusions. On the other hand, these illusions are well-founded on and explained by the true nature of the universe at its fundamental level. In addition, as consequences of his metaphysics, Leibniz devises solutions to several deep philosophical problems, such as the problem of free will, the problem of evil, and the nature of space and time. One can clearly locate that Leibniz had developed arguments for several philosophical positions including theism, compatibilism, and idealism. Leibniz’s metaphysical career continued for a span of over thirty years. During this period, though some of his basic ideas changed, but, the broad outline of his philosophy remains…show more content…
Firstly, through this theory, he means that there is “no absolute location in either space or time”. On the other hand, Location is always the situation in which the object or event is; in relation to other objects and events. Secondly, “space and time are not in themselves real”. This implies that they are not substances. Rather for Leibniz, Space and time are ideal. NEWTON’S VIEWS ON SPACE: To sum up Newton’s views for him, Absolute, true, and mathematical space are all similar and immovable without relation to anything external. Relative spaces are measures of absolute space defined with reference to some system of bodies or another, and thus a relative space may, and likely will, be in motion. FURTHER WORK: The debates between Leibniz and Clarke were seen by many as a final confrontation of “the mathematical philosophy” represented by Newton and his disciple Clarke and the metaphysical philosophy. Many also consider this as final stages in the emancipation of the natural sciences from philosophy and theology, which lead to the progress of science in the succeeding

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