Leibniz's Metaphysics of Time and Space

This is the first comprehensive examination of Leibniz's thought on time and space. The book fills a gap in existing scholarship by examining his views on the topological structure of space and time, including the unity and unboundedness of space and time.

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.

Far-reaching examination of one of the central topics in early modern philosophy of science and natural philosophy Places Leibniz's views within the context of the history of the philosophy of space and time Shows how Leibniz's philosophy of space and time continues to exert an important influence on ongoing debates in the philosophy of science Explains the metaphysical commitments that underwrite Leibniz's approach to the nature of space and time

Contenu
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.