Leibniz and body: just a metaphysical problem?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2447-9012.espinosa.2025.223574Keywords:
composite substance, substantial bond, bodies, metaphysics, politics, theologyAbstract
Our work aims to support the hypothesis that the problem of the ontological status of bodies, particularly the issue of composite substance, was not merely a problem arising from Leibniz's metaphysics but may also be related to theological and political debates in which the philosopher was involved. To this end, our analysis focuses on two specific dialogues: the correspondence with Father Des Bosses and the negotiation for the reunification between the Catholic and Protestant churches of Europe. The idea is to indicate that the concept of substantial bond, developed by Leibniz in the letters to Des Bosses in response to the problem of body and Eucharist, does not only express an attempt to resolve a logical obstacle arising from the doctrine of monads, for the development of the concept would, in addition, be part of an effort to explain rationally a religious mystery that was fundamental in the schism among Christians. For us, this approach can broaden the understanding and scope of Leibniz's thought, as it proposes to shed light on a theme and a concept that are traditionally not classified as "philosophical".
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