Divine mathematics: Leibniz's combinatorial theory of compossibility.
Stud Hist Philos Sci
; 106: 60-69, 2024 Jun 19.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38901328
ABSTRACT
Leibniz's famous proposition that God has created the best of all possible worlds holds a significant place in his philosophical system. However, the precise manner in which God determines which world is the best remains somewhat ambiguous. Leibniz suggests that a form of "Divine mathematics" is employed to construct and evaluate possible worlds. In this paper, I uncover the underlying mechanics of Divine mathematics by formally reconstructing it. I argue that Divine mathematics is a one-player combinatorial game, in which God's goal is to find the best combination among many possibilities. Drawing on the combinatorial theory, I provide new solutions to some puzzles of compossibility.
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MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Stud Hist Philos Sci
Ano de publicação:
2024
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Article