Relational Space and Places of Value

Research output: Contribution to journalSpecial issuepeer-review

Abstract

Drawing on a Leibnizian panpsychist ontology of living beings ­comprising both body and soul, this chapter outlines a theory of space based on the perceptual and appetitive relations among these creatures’ souls. Co-extensive with physical space founded on relations among bodies subject to efficient causation, teleological space results from relations among souls subject to final causation, and is described qualitatively in terms of creatures’ pleasure and pain, wellbeing and happiness. Particular places within this space include the kingdom of grace, where morally responsible, rational beings act as far as possible in accord with the ideal of justice as universal love and wise benevolence. However, while Leibniz considered love as properly directed only towards rational beings, it is argued here that the truly wise person will direct their love and benevolence towards all living things.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-106
Number of pages18
JournalLogical Analysis and History of Philosophy
Volume14
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Leibniz
  • Space
  • Place
  • Relations
  • Love
  • Justice

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