Leibniz’s Discourse on Metaphysics

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and the Order of Nature

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz attempted to correlate the principles of physics with the supremacy of God and his involvement in the creation and establishment of what is known as nature in this philosophical essay, written in 1686 but published and circulated much later. He addresses a wide range of issues in a concise but detailed manner, all of which are related to God’s character. He also discusses his great grasp of God, his perfection and sovereignty, his orderliness in the creation of the world, and the perfect order in which all things exist. In this paper, the primary focus shall be on Leibniz’s explanation about miracles, how they occur and why they are perfectly within the order of natural laws. In addition to this, the paper shall detail Leibniz’s explanation as to why evil exists in spite of God’s goodness and sovereignty and indicate how convincing the arguments presented are.

The Possibility of Miracles Without Violating Natural Law

A question arises with the study of this essay, one of them being: how are miracles possible without the violation of natural law? Leibniz gives that “…not only does nothing occur in this world which is irregular, but it is even impossible to conceive of such an occurrence” (Leibniz p. 43). Leibniz shows that God is a perfect God and does everything in order and it is, therefore, impossible to imagine that he would go about carrying out his will outside the natural order of things. As there are the general laws of nature by which God carries out his will, there are also special laws that God desires and uses to carry out his will. Ordinary and extraordinary acts. These are not so common and may be perceived to be outside the natural order of things. However, this is not the case. The reality is, miracles are not violations of natural laws, and rather they go against the standard regulations which these laws are subjected. Miracles exist entirely within the existent order established during creation. They only expose us to an unexplored segment of the natural order whose results seem unusual yet possible under different circumstances. Leibniz gives an example of geographical contours which were introduced as a new thing, but he states that everything can be explained. Whether using formulas or equations, there is nothing whose origin could lack explanation. The complex nature of miracles subjects them to interpretations of irregularity, but the reality is that they all fall under God’s perfect order of things. His choice to perform a miracle is purely customary to his intentional and precise will since He fashioned the natural order for himself. A deeper understanding of what Leibniz seeks to clarify indicates that there indeed can be no full comprehension of the nature and order of things.

The Existence of Evil Under God’s Goodness

If God is so good, how is it possible for evil to exist?: this is a common question that arises whenever God’s goodness in discussion and Leibniz addresses it from an experiential point of view. While God is indeed a good God and all that he desires is good, he may allow evil to occur for something good to result from it. The outcome is crucial in understanding why God, for instance, would allow evil to happen. He does not desire it, and this should not be confused. He does, however, allow it to occur if he intends that something good result from it, especially in the case of punishment and correction (p. 45). His will is perfect as Him. Therefore all that comes forth from him is all intended for good, whether immediately or in the long run. God permits the results of sin for an ideal future of humanity as compared to when He should always be good.

Conclusion

I find Leibniz’s arguments indeed convincing because of the wisdom he expresses when dealing with the topic of God, natural order and the reason why things occur. He indicates a thorough understanding of the natural order of things and the fact that everything can have an explanation. On conclusion, after speaking of the ridiculous art of Geomancy, he says that “I use these comparisons to picture a certain imperfect resemblance to the divine wisdom. I also want to point out, that which may at least raise our minds to conceive in some sort, cannot otherwise be expressed.” (p.44). He catalyzes a mind opening process that reveals the mysteries which most people are oblivious to or just ignorant. Considering that there are numerous events which do not seem to have a logical explanation, the thought that there are natural forces within the existent order that explain these events is conclusive in accepting the possibilities. Moreover, understanding God’s supremacy and perfection answer questions about why bad things happen under God’s watch.

Exploring Beyond Logic

The entire essay touches extensively on more questions that clear logic cannot answer. This knowledge is essential in better understanding the width within which natural laws operate and why miracles are explainable. The purpose of God’s chosen will is real and greater than the particular way by which he wishes to carry it out: good or evil. The arguments presented are convincing to a reader who is open-minded and willing to acquire new information about a delicate matter such as this.

Work cited

Martin, N. D., & Brown, S. Discourse on Metaphysics. In G. W. Leibniz, Discourse on Metaphysics and related writings. Manchester, 1988. Print.