Black and white engraving of a man with long, curly hair, wearing an elaborate 17th-century outfit with a high-collared shirt and decorative buttons. His expression is calm and introspective, with a slight smile, conveying an air of intellectual sophistication. The detailed curls and fine attire suggest he is a person of notable status and education.
Black and white engraving of a man with long, curly hair, wearing an elaborate 17th-century outfit with a high-collared shirt and decorative buttons. His expression is calm and introspective, with a slight smile, conveying an air of intellectual sophistication. The detailed curls and fine attire suggest he is a person of notable status and education.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Historical

Historical

Jul 1, 1646

-

Nov 14, 1716

Black and white engraving of a man with long, curly hair, wearing an elaborate 17th-century outfit with a high-collared shirt and decorative buttons. His expression is calm and introspective, with a slight smile, conveying an air of intellectual sophistication. The detailed curls and fine attire suggest he is a person of notable status and education.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

Historical

Historical

Jul 1, 1646

-

Nov 14, 1716

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a German mathematician, philosopher, and logician of the 17th Century. Leibniz was born in Leipzig in 1646, and he was a child who loved learning at a tender age. His father, a professor of moral philosophy, passed away when Leibniz was six, but he was left with a collection of books essential to the young boy.

Leibniz began his education at Leipzig University at 14, and his main subjects were philosophy, law, and mathematics. The years spent in school are the basis of his future success in different spheres, including theology, science, and engineering.

Leibniz is most well known for developing calculus alongside Isaac Newton despite needing access to Newton's work. Controversy arose over who had the right to take priority, yet his version of calculus, which involved symbols, became accepted. He also contributed to the area of binary arithmetic, which was later used in modern computer science.

Leibniz was a mathematician and philosopher who put forward the theory of monads, which presupposes that the universe is made up of elements that cannot be divided. Voltaire's philosophical optimism, expressed in the notion that this is "the best of all possible worlds," was lampooned by Voltaire in Candide.

Leibniz worked in many important positions, such as court librarian and political advisor. His work as a diplomat involved moving from one country to another in Europe, and he interacted with some of the most influential thinkers of his generation. Despite that, a significant part of his works appeared only after his death; however, his contributions have been vital to philosophy and science.

Leibniz was a highly prolific writer and thinker who contributed to numerous fields, including law and engineering, and he is often regarded as one of the last universal scholars. He passed on in Hanover in 1716, but many of his philosophical works are still relevant to modern society.

Quotes

"This is the best of all possible worlds."

"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

"What is called atoms in the monads is the actual atom of nature."

"God, of course, always selects the best."

"Nature does not make jumps."

"Everything in the intellect was first in the senses, except the intellect itself."

"Thus, an old saying goes, 'There must be a reason why something exists.'"

"The present is with the child of the future."

"Substance is force, and force is action."

"The mind is the mirror of the universe."

"The whole universe is contained within each substance and each of them reflects the whole universe in a unique way."

In his Leviathan, Hobbes said, "All our ideas are compounded minimally small number of simple ideas."

"The male gender is seen to possess freedom of choice while executing what has already been determined by the laws of physics."

"In reality, everything is related."

"There is a reason behind all that happens."

FAQ

Who was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and what were his achievements?

Leibniz is most famous for having invented calculus jointly with Newton and given the philosophical theory of monads.

What is the controversy surrounding the derivation of calculus between Leibniz and Newton?

There has been a lot of debate on who first invented calculus between two mathematicians, Leibniz and Newton, but they discovered it, and both of them found it. Leibniz's notation, however, became the standard.

What are monads, according to Leibniz?

The concept of monads is relatively simple; they are the ultimate particles of the universe, and each has within it the microcosm of the whole universe.

What is Leibniz's optimism as a philosophy?

Leibniz also assumed that the supreme and good God created the world, and therefore, it is the best of all possible worlds, where good and evil are equal.

Did Leibniz provide any input on computer science?

Indeed, Leibniz has contributed to forming the modern binary system, an essential step in developing computer science.

According to Leibniz, the phrase "the best of all possible worlds," has been interpreted differently.

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What else did Leibniz do in mathematics besides calculus?

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What is the principle of pre-arranged harmony?

Pre-established harmony is Leibniz's idea that monads do not influence each other, but they are pre-programmed to act in harmony with the rest.

What contribution did Leibniz make to future philosophy?

Leibniz's views influenced metaphysical and theoretical discourses in later philosophy with the help of his concepts of monads and optimism through Kant.

What are the offices that Leibniz occupied in his life?

In his career, Leibniz served as a diplomat, a court librarian, and a political consultant while he remained a philosopher, a legal scholar, and a mathematician.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a German mathematician, philosopher, and logician of the 17th Century. Leibniz was born in Leipzig in 1646, and he was a child who loved learning at a tender age. His father, a professor of moral philosophy, passed away when Leibniz was six, but he was left with a collection of books essential to the young boy.

Leibniz began his education at Leipzig University at 14, and his main subjects were philosophy, law, and mathematics. The years spent in school are the basis of his future success in different spheres, including theology, science, and engineering.

Leibniz is most well known for developing calculus alongside Isaac Newton despite needing access to Newton's work. Controversy arose over who had the right to take priority, yet his version of calculus, which involved symbols, became accepted. He also contributed to the area of binary arithmetic, which was later used in modern computer science.

Leibniz was a mathematician and philosopher who put forward the theory of monads, which presupposes that the universe is made up of elements that cannot be divided. Voltaire's philosophical optimism, expressed in the notion that this is "the best of all possible worlds," was lampooned by Voltaire in Candide.

Leibniz worked in many important positions, such as court librarian and political advisor. His work as a diplomat involved moving from one country to another in Europe, and he interacted with some of the most influential thinkers of his generation. Despite that, a significant part of his works appeared only after his death; however, his contributions have been vital to philosophy and science.

Leibniz was a highly prolific writer and thinker who contributed to numerous fields, including law and engineering, and he is often regarded as one of the last universal scholars. He passed on in Hanover in 1716, but many of his philosophical works are still relevant to modern society.

Quotes

"This is the best of all possible worlds."

"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

"What is called atoms in the monads is the actual atom of nature."

"God, of course, always selects the best."

"Nature does not make jumps."

"Everything in the intellect was first in the senses, except the intellect itself."

"Thus, an old saying goes, 'There must be a reason why something exists.'"

"The present is with the child of the future."

"Substance is force, and force is action."

"The mind is the mirror of the universe."

"The whole universe is contained within each substance and each of them reflects the whole universe in a unique way."

In his Leviathan, Hobbes said, "All our ideas are compounded minimally small number of simple ideas."

"The male gender is seen to possess freedom of choice while executing what has already been determined by the laws of physics."

"In reality, everything is related."

"There is a reason behind all that happens."

FAQ

Who was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and what were his achievements?

Leibniz is most famous for having invented calculus jointly with Newton and given the philosophical theory of monads.

What is the controversy surrounding the derivation of calculus between Leibniz and Newton?

There has been a lot of debate on who first invented calculus between two mathematicians, Leibniz and Newton, but they discovered it, and both of them found it. Leibniz's notation, however, became the standard.

What are monads, according to Leibniz?

The concept of monads is relatively simple; they are the ultimate particles of the universe, and each has within it the microcosm of the whole universe.

What is Leibniz's optimism as a philosophy?

Leibniz also assumed that the supreme and good God created the world, and therefore, it is the best of all possible worlds, where good and evil are equal.

Did Leibniz provide any input on computer science?

Indeed, Leibniz has contributed to forming the modern binary system, an essential step in developing computer science.

According to Leibniz, the phrase "the best of all possible worlds," has been interpreted differently.

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What else did Leibniz do in mathematics besides calculus?

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What is the principle of pre-arranged harmony?

Pre-established harmony is Leibniz's idea that monads do not influence each other, but they are pre-programmed to act in harmony with the rest.

What contribution did Leibniz make to future philosophy?

Leibniz's views influenced metaphysical and theoretical discourses in later philosophy with the help of his concepts of monads and optimism through Kant.

What are the offices that Leibniz occupied in his life?

In his career, Leibniz served as a diplomat, a court librarian, and a political consultant while he remained a philosopher, a legal scholar, and a mathematician.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a German mathematician, philosopher, and logician of the 17th Century. Leibniz was born in Leipzig in 1646, and he was a child who loved learning at a tender age. His father, a professor of moral philosophy, passed away when Leibniz was six, but he was left with a collection of books essential to the young boy.

Leibniz began his education at Leipzig University at 14, and his main subjects were philosophy, law, and mathematics. The years spent in school are the basis of his future success in different spheres, including theology, science, and engineering.

Leibniz is most well known for developing calculus alongside Isaac Newton despite needing access to Newton's work. Controversy arose over who had the right to take priority, yet his version of calculus, which involved symbols, became accepted. He also contributed to the area of binary arithmetic, which was later used in modern computer science.

Leibniz was a mathematician and philosopher who put forward the theory of monads, which presupposes that the universe is made up of elements that cannot be divided. Voltaire's philosophical optimism, expressed in the notion that this is "the best of all possible worlds," was lampooned by Voltaire in Candide.

Leibniz worked in many important positions, such as court librarian and political advisor. His work as a diplomat involved moving from one country to another in Europe, and he interacted with some of the most influential thinkers of his generation. Despite that, a significant part of his works appeared only after his death; however, his contributions have been vital to philosophy and science.

Leibniz was a highly prolific writer and thinker who contributed to numerous fields, including law and engineering, and he is often regarded as one of the last universal scholars. He passed on in Hanover in 1716, but many of his philosophical works are still relevant to modern society.

Quotes

"This is the best of all possible worlds."

"Why is there something rather than nothing?"

"What is called atoms in the monads is the actual atom of nature."

"God, of course, always selects the best."

"Nature does not make jumps."

"Everything in the intellect was first in the senses, except the intellect itself."

"Thus, an old saying goes, 'There must be a reason why something exists.'"

"The present is with the child of the future."

"Substance is force, and force is action."

"The mind is the mirror of the universe."

"The whole universe is contained within each substance and each of them reflects the whole universe in a unique way."

In his Leviathan, Hobbes said, "All our ideas are compounded minimally small number of simple ideas."

"The male gender is seen to possess freedom of choice while executing what has already been determined by the laws of physics."

"In reality, everything is related."

"There is a reason behind all that happens."

FAQ

Who was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and what were his achievements?

Leibniz is most famous for having invented calculus jointly with Newton and given the philosophical theory of monads.

What is the controversy surrounding the derivation of calculus between Leibniz and Newton?

There has been a lot of debate on who first invented calculus between two mathematicians, Leibniz and Newton, but they discovered it, and both of them found it. Leibniz's notation, however, became the standard.

What are monads, according to Leibniz?

The concept of monads is relatively simple; they are the ultimate particles of the universe, and each has within it the microcosm of the whole universe.

What is Leibniz's optimism as a philosophy?

Leibniz also assumed that the supreme and good God created the world, and therefore, it is the best of all possible worlds, where good and evil are equal.

Did Leibniz provide any input on computer science?

Indeed, Leibniz has contributed to forming the modern binary system, an essential step in developing computer science.

According to Leibniz, the phrase "the best of all possible worlds," has been interpreted differently.

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What else did Leibniz do in mathematics besides calculus?

Leibniz also made notable contributions to the field of number theory, especially to binary arithmetic and determinants in linear algebra.

What is the principle of pre-arranged harmony?

Pre-established harmony is Leibniz's idea that monads do not influence each other, but they are pre-programmed to act in harmony with the rest.

What contribution did Leibniz make to future philosophy?

Leibniz's views influenced metaphysical and theoretical discourses in later philosophy with the help of his concepts of monads and optimism through Kant.

What are the offices that Leibniz occupied in his life?

In his career, Leibniz served as a diplomat, a court librarian, and a political consultant while he remained a philosopher, a legal scholar, and a mathematician.

Life and achievements

Early life

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born on 1st of July 1646 in Leipzig, Saxony to a learned family. His father, Friedrich Leibniz, was a professor of moral philosophy, and presumably, young Leibniz's interests were shaped by this environment. Leibniz received his first education at home, and at the age of 14, he lost his father in 1652, which left him a vast library, which was a perfect ground for his developing interest.

Leibniz was already reading Latin by age 12 and had already written Latin poetry, evidence of his early genius. He started his education at Leipzig University at the age of 14, and he studied philosophy, law, and mathematics.

Leibniz enrolled for a bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1661 and graduated in 1662 before proceeding to a master's degree, which he earned in 1664. His early philosophical work mainly focused on the principle of individuation, which formed the basis of his later metaphysical work.

Leibniz's education also included the field of law, and in 1666, he defended his thesis in legal philosophy. By this time, Leibniz had also gained diverse interests that would shape his career as a polymath, including theology and metaphysics, mathematics, and science.

Legacy

Leibniz's contribution is vast and multi-disciplinary: it touches the areas of philosophy, mathematics, and science. He independently invented calculus, and his notations are still in use. His most important contribution was in calculus, which he independently worked on with Isaac Newton. Though there is debate over who was the first to discover calculus, Leibniz's work is fundamental to mathematics. He also greatly impacted computer science since his binary number system has formed the basis of today's computers.

Leibniz's philosophical work, especially on monads and pre-established harmony, forms part and parcel of current debates in metaphysics. Leibniz's opinion that it is the best of all possible worlds was adopted as the foundation of philosophical optimism by such philosophers as Immanuel Kant. Even though Voltaire ridicules this view in his Candide, it constitutes an essential part of Leibniz's philosophy.

His work in logic also showed the way for the modern developments in symbolic logic and set theory, which are significant branches of philosophy with an excellent mathematical base that has implications even today. Today, Leibniz is known for his inventions and innovations and his attempt to harmonize knowledge and become a synthesizer, which put him at the center of Western philosophical tradition.

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Milestone moments

Jul 1, 1646

The birth of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born in Leipzig, Germany to father Friedrich Leibniz who was a professor of moral philosophy.
His father had a significant impact on the formation of his academic choice.
Leibniz was allowed to read his father's library from childhood, which is why he was interested in philosophy, theology, and languages from early childhood.
By the age of 14, he joined Leipzig University, where his academic journey began, making him one of his generation's most prominent thinkers.
This would shape his polymathic career since he was exposed to several subjects at a tender age.

Apr 10, 1666

Early Works in Law and Graduation
After the dissertation on the legal cases that were hard to solve, Leibniz obtained his doctorate in law from the University of Altdorf in 1666.
His early works, which include the principles of arithmetic, the principles of algebra, and the principles of logic, established the basis for his subsequent advancements in combinatorial logic and legal system.
He rejected an opportunity to take up an academic chair position at Altdorf and engaged himself in other activities within the political and intellectual society.
This period also began Leibniz's philosophical endeavors, especially in metaphysics and logic.
His De Arte Combinatoria, published in the same year, contains ideas that formed his system of monads and his theory of pre-established harmony.

Nov 20, 1676

The Paris Years: The History of Calculus
Leibniz relocated to Paris in 1672, where he encountered other scholars, such as Christiaan Huygens, who tutored him in mathematics.
In this period, Leibniz was to make his most significant contribution to mathematics in the form of calculus.
It is interesting that Isaac Newton also developed calculus around the same time. Still, Leibniz's notation for integrals and derivatives has stood the test of time.
During this period, Leibniz also broadened his knowledge, reading physics, philosophy, and theology and exchanging letters with other European scholars.
Staying in Paris meant that he became one of Europe's most influential intellectuals.

Oct 18, 1695

The Publication of the Theory of Monads
The original philosophical idea was the theory of monads Leibniz formulated in his significant works and fully formed by 1695.
He said that the universe is composed of primary, uncomposite beings known as monads, and each has the image of the universe within them.
This idea was not traditional atomistic views but a new approach to metaphysics.
Conversely, Leibniz holds that monads do not influence each other but are in harmony, and God created this.
Later philosophers adopted this idea, which is still one of the significant ideas associated with Leibniz and his philosophical ideas in metaphysics.

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