The Philosophy of Leibniz

Bertrand Russell

Format
Hardback
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
17 March 2025
Pages
364
ISBN
9781032914930

The Philosophy of Leibniz

Bertrand Russell

Bertrand Russell's study of the philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz is one of Russell's earliest books and gives us a fascinating glimpse of his philosophical brilliance. It remains one the most important books on this fascinating and systematic of seventeenth-century thinkers and the only book Russell wrote about a major philosopher.

Written when Russell was only in his late twenties, it goes far beyond a mere exposition of Leibniz's thought. Celebrated for his invention of the differential calculus and a major figure in the development of rationalist philosophy, Leibniz is hailed by many as the last universal genius. Russell argues that the tension between Leibniz's theological writings for the Hanoverian royalty on the hand and his philosophical work on the other obscures, in Russell's opinion, Leibniz's greatest gift to philosophy: the view that logic is the start of all philosophy.

Exploring Leibniz's contributions to epistemology, substance, space and time, the soul and body, and the existence of God, Russell pushes philosophy and logical thought in bold new directions. It remains a vital work in Russell's oeuvre and a landmark study of a major philosopher.

This Routledge Classics Edition has a new Foreword by Richard T. W. Arthur.

Order online and we’ll ship when available (17 March 2025)

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.