Leibniz Monadology Study Q's Flashcards
How does Leibniz define a “monad”?
The monad is nothing else than a simple substance which enters into the composites; simple meaning, which has no parts.
How does Leibniz attempt to prove that there are such simple monads?
There must be simple substances since there are composites because a composite is an accumulation of the simples.
What does Leibniz say about how monads are created, destroyed, and are altered?
A monad cannot perish naturally. A monad cannot be created naturally. Monads cannot begin or end otherwise than instantaneously. They can begin only by creation and end only by annihilation. A monad can be altered by internal change.
What does Leibniz mean when he says that monads “have no windows?”
The monads have no windows through which anything could come in or go out. The outside world does not affect the monads.
Why does Leibniz say that monads must have qualities?
- Composites would not be distinguishable
- Each monad must be different from every other or else you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart
What does Leibniz say about “change” and monads?
Monads are subject to change. The natural changes of the monads must result from an internal principle.
How does Leibniz define APPETITION?
The internal principle which produces change
How does Leibniz’s “Giant Machine” thought experiment show that “perception … cannot possibly be explained by mechanical reasons?”
Because if you were able to visit the inside of the machine (brain) you’d only see parts that push and move each other. You would not see anything that could explain perception.
What is the name that Leibniz also gives to monads? What does “Autarkia” mean?
The name that Leibniz also gives to monads is entelechies. Autarkia means self sufficiency.
What is Leibniz’s ultimate conclusion about how perceptions ARE produced?
Internal change
How are common monads just like “souls” for Leibniz? How are souls different?
Common monads are just like souls because they have perception and appetition. Souls are different because they have perception that is more distinct and is accompanied by memory.
Explain, in your own words, what Leibniz means when he says: “The present state of a simple substance is the natural result of its precedent state, so much so that the present is pregnant with the future.”
All of the events now are sufficient to produce all the events in the next moment
How does Leibniz distinguish mere “memory” from “reason?” What examples of each does he give? Which does the EMPIRICIST engage in?
Memory provides the souls with a sort of consistency which imitates reason but has to be distinguished from it. Empiricists engage in reason. Ex: If you expect that the sun will rise tomorrow because up to now it has always happened, you act as an empiricist.
What, according to Leibniz, are the two “great principles” upon which reason is founded? Give YOUR OWN example of how you would use each.
(1) The principle of contradiction: By virtue of which we consider as false what implies a contradiction and as true what is the opposite of the contradictory or false
(2) The principle of sufficient reason: By virtue of which we hold that no fact can be true or existing and no statement truthfully without a sufficient reason for it being so and not different
What are the two kinds of TRUTHS according to Leibniz?
Truth of fact and truth of reason
