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The Rationalists: LeibnizThe Rationalists: Leibniz
Freedom, Responsibility, EvilFreedom, Responsibility, Evil
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
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OutlineOutline
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
1. Introduction
2. Individual Freedom
3. Individual Responsibility
4. The problem of Evil
5. Conclusion
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IntroductionIntroductionThe ProblemThe Problem
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Determinism and Freedom:- If everything is pre-determined, how can we be free- If everything is pre-determined, how can we be held responsible? - Isn’t God responsible for the existence of Evil on Earth?
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OutlineOutline
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
1. Introduction
2. Individual Freedom
3. Individual Responsibility
4. The problem of Evil
5. Conclusion
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Individual FreedomIndividual Freedom
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
Minimal Condition for Freedom: Contingency- Necessary truths / Contingent truths Our existence is contingent on God’s decree. Leibniz is not a necessitarian.
Certainty vs. Necessity- God foresees everything that will happen but does not make it happen- Example: your sister and horror movies
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OutlineOutline
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
1. Introduction
2. Individual Freedom
3. Individual Responsibility
4. The problem of Evil
5. Conclusion
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Individual Responsibility Individual Responsibility The ProblemThe Problem
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
- God is responsible for the fact that we actually exist- From the fact that we exist it follows that we will unfold ourselves, and hence, do what we do.
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Individual Responsibility Individual Responsibility Leibniz’ answerLeibniz’ answer
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
God decided only on the laws: - Creation of certain substances - Aim for the apparent good- But leaves us the choice – state of indifference
Ignorance Argument- We don’t know what we are supposed to do - We make our decisions without constraints SO: we can be held responsible for our actions
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OutlineOutline
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
1. Introduction
2. Individual Freedom
3. Individual Responsibility
4. The problem of Evil
5. Conclusion
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The Problem is EvilThe Problem is Evil
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
The greater goodTraditional answer to the problem of evil
God’s ways are not fully understandable- We cannot grasp all the details of the perfect of the Creation- It is enough to understand that the Creation is perfect
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OutlineOutline
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
1. Introduction
2. Individual Freedom
3. Individual Responsibility
4. The problem of Evil
5. Conclusion
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Conclusion on LeibnizConclusion on Leibniz
Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana
The core insight: Perfect God and Perfect World
Epistemology: Mitigated Rationalism
Metaphysics: Individual Substances
Necessity, Freedom and Responsibility:- Contingency exists – but not chance- Individual Freedom = absence of constraints- Individual Responsibility? Epistemic limitations
