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Leibniz's metaphysics of space and time stands at the centre of his philosophy and is one of the high-water marks in the history of the philosophy of science. In this work, Futch provides the first systematic and comprehensive examination of Leibniz's thought on this subject. In addition to elucidating the nature of Leibniz's relationalism, the book fills a lacuna in existing scholarship by examining his views on the topological structure of space and time, including the unity and unboundedness of space and time. It is shown that, like many of his more recent counterparts, Leibniz adopts a causal theory of time where temporal facts are grounded on causal facts, and that his approach to time represents a precursor to non-tensed theories of time. Futch then goes on to situate Leibniz's philosophy of space and time within the broader context of his idealistic metaphysics and natural theology. Emphasizing the historical background of Leibniz's thought, the book also places him in dialogue with contemporary philosophy of science, underscoring the enduring philosophical interest of Leibniz's metaphysics of time and space.
List of contents
A Brief History of the Philosophy of Space and Time.- Leibniz's Reductionism.- The Unity of Time and Space.- The Bounds of Space and Time.- Causal and Temporal Asymmetry.- Leibniz on Past, Present, and Future.- Space, Time, and Harmony.- Space, Time, and God.
Summary
Leibniz’s metaphysics of space and time stands at the centre of his philosophy and is one of the high-water marks in the history of the philosophy of science. In this work, Futch provides the first systematic and comprehensive examination of Leibniz’s thought on this subject. In addition to elucidating the nature of Leibniz’s relationalism, the book fills a lacuna in existing scholarship by examining his views on the topological structure of space and time, including the unity and unboundedness of space and time. It is shown that, like many of his more recent counterparts, Leibniz adopts a causal theory of time where temporal facts are grounded on causal facts, and that his approach to time represents a precursor to non-tensed theories of time. Futch then goes on to situate Leibniz’s philosophy of space and time within the broader context of his idealistic metaphysics and natural theology. Emphasizing the historical background of Leibniz’s thought, the book also places him in dialogue with contemporary philosophy of science, underscoring the enduring philosophical interest of Leibniz’s metaphysics of time and space.
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From the reviews:
“Michael Futch’s new book on Leibniz’ philosophy of space and time is a welcome addition to the growing literature on this important series of topics in Early Modern natural philosophy. … the arguments and discussions that comprise the book are excellent, with a host of interesting lines of development concerning Leibniz’s system from which the reader can draw fruitful reflection. … On the whole, Early Modern community is well served by Futch’s impressive work, and it will serve as a basis for much future discussion.” (Edward Slowik, Metascience, Vol. 19 (3), November, 2010)
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From the reviews:
"Michael Futch's new book on Leibniz' philosophy of space and time is a welcome addition to the growing literature on this important series of topics in Early Modern natural philosophy. ... the arguments and discussions that comprise the book are excellent, with a host of interesting lines of development concerning Leibniz's system from which the reader can draw fruitful reflection. ... On the whole, Early Modern community is well served by Futch's impressive work, and it will serve as a basis for much future discussion." (Edward Slowik, Metascience, Vol. 19 (3), November, 2010)
