Abstract

LAZOS OCHOA, Efraín. LEIBNIZ AND REDUCTIONISM OF SPATIAL RELATIONS. Prax. filos. [online]. 2016, n.43, pp.185-200. ISSN 0120-4688.

This paper discusses Leibniz's theory of space in the context of his metaphysical view that extrinsic properties are ultimately grounded on the intrinsic properties of substances. In particular, it shows that Leibniz's theory of the ideality of spatial relations sits unconfortably with his principle of identity, according to which there is no quantitative difference which is not also a qualitative one. The paper concludes that Leibniz's theory seems to lack the resources to save the following dilemma: either space has no parts, in which case his theory cannot explain how we acquire the representation of space; or, space has parts, which means that there may be differences that are merely quantitative

Keywords : metaphysical reductionism; relationism; Leibniz's theory of space; extrinsic; intrinsic.

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