Leibniz and Kant

Leibniz and Kant explores the relationship between Leibniz and Kant, discussing their philosophical ideas, criticisms, and reception in 18th-century Enlightenment Germany. The book includes essays by leading scholars that address fundamental questions of metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophical theology in both philosophers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Although it is common to see Kant's philosophy as at its core a reaction to (and partial rejection of) the dogmatism and rationalism of Leibniz, Wolff, and their followers, it is surprising how little detailed and critical study there has been of the relation between Leibniz and Kant. How did Kant understand Leibniz's philosophy? Did he correctly understand Leibniz's philosophy? Since only a portion of Leibniz's philosophical writings were published prior to Kant's critical period, is there a true Leibniz that Kant did not know? Are all of Kant's criticisms of Leibniz in particular and Leibnizian rationalism in general justified? Or does Leibniz have an answer to Kant's philosophy? Moreover, how should we understand the reception of Leibniz's philosophy in 18th-century Enlightenment Germany?

Leibniz and Kant seeks to examine the relation between Leibniz and Kant by collecting essays written by some of the leading scholars of the history of modern philosophy, all of whom have in common a deep knowledge of both philosophers. This anthology further aims to create a dialogue between scholars of early modern philosophy and Kantians and to fill a lacuna in historical and philosophical scholarship. The essays contained here address fundamental questions of metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophical theology in Leibniz and Kant and address Kant's understanding and interpretation of his philosophical predecessor.

Kant's philosophy is often seen as a reaction to the dogmatism and rationalism of Leibniz, Wolff, and their followers. However, the relationship between these two philosophers has received relatively little attention in the scholarly literature. This anthology seeks to rectify this by bringing together essays from leading experts in the field of modern philosophy who have a thorough understanding of both Leibniz and Kant. The aim is to foster a dialogue between scholars of early modern philosophy and Kantians, as well as to contribute to the existing body of historical and philosophical scholarship.

The essays included in this anthology address a range of topics related to the relationship between Leibniz and Kant. They explore various aspects of their philosophical ideas, including metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophical theology. The contributors also examine Kant's understanding and interpretation of Leibniz's philosophy, and assess the validity of his criticisms.

One of the key questions addressed in the essays is whether Kant correctly understood Leibniz's philosophy. Some scholars argue that Kant's interpretation of Leibniz was flawed, while others suggest that he made valuable contributions to the development of Leibnizian rationalism. The essays explore both sides philosophy, providing a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of their respective positions.

Another important aspect of the relationship between Leibniz and Kant is the question of whether there is a true Leibniz that Kant did not know. Given that only a portion of Leibniz's philosophical writings were published prior to Kant's critical period, it is possible that Kant was not fully aware of Leibniz's philosophical ideas. The essays examine this issue, exploring whether there are any significant gaps or inconsistencies in Kant's understanding of Leibniz's philosophy.

Kant's criticisms of Leibniz and Leibnizian rationalism are also examined in the essays. Some scholars argue that Kant's criticisms are unjustified, while others suggest that they provide valuable insights into the limitations of Leibniz's philosophical system. The essays explore both sides of this debate, providing a balanced and comprehensive analysis of Kant's criticisms.

In addition to examining the relationship between Leibniz and Kant, the essays also explore the reception of Leibniz's philosophy in 18th-century Enlightenment Germany. The essays examine how Leibniz's philosophy was received by various thinkers and intellectuals of the time, including Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Immanuel Kant, and Friedrich Schiller. The contributors also consider the impact of Leibniz's philosophy on the development of 18th-century Enlightenment thought.

Overall, this anthology provides a valuable contribution to the study of the relation between Leibniz and Kant. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of their respective philosophical ideas, as well as their understanding and interpretation of each other. The essays also explore the reception of Leibniz's philosophy in 18th-century Enlightenment Germany, providing valuable insights into the historical context in which his ideas were developed. By bringing together, together essays from leading scholars in the field, this anthology seeks to foster a dialogue between scholars of early modern philosophy and Kantians, as well as to contribute to the existing body of historical and philosophical scholarship.

Weight: 774g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199606368