Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the humanist agenda and the scientific method Kundan Misra

221 Pages·2012·3.12 MB·English

3237827: M.Sc. Dissertation

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the humanist agenda and the scientific method

Kundan Misra

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science (Research), University of New South Wales

School of Mathematics and Statistics
Faculty of Science
University of New South Wales

Submitted August 2011
Changes completed September 2012

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Thesis/Dissertation Sheet

Surname or Family name: Misra

First name: Kundan Other name/s: n/a

Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: MSc

School: Mathematics and Statistics Faculty: Science

Title: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the humanist agenda and the scientific method

Abstract 350 words maximum:

Modernity began in Leibniz’s lifetime, arguably, and due to the efforts of a group of philosopher-scientists of which Leibniz was one of the most
significant active contributors. Leibniz invented machines and developed the calculus. He was a force for peace, and industrial and cultural
development through his work as a diplomat and correspondence with leaders across Europe, and in Russia and China. With Leibniz, science
became a means for improving human living conditions. For Leibniz, science must begin with the “God’s eye view” and begin with an
understanding of how the Creator would have designed the universe. Accordingly, Leibniz advocated the a priori method of scientific discovery,
including the use of intellectual constructions or artifices. He defended the usefulness and success of these methods against detractors. While
cognizant of Baconian empiricism, Leibniz found that an unbalanced emphasis on experiment left the investigator short of conclusions on efficient
causes. Leibniz worked outside, but complemented, the current of formal reasoning and empiricism which was developing in scientific circles
during his lifetime. He supported the development of methods for calculation and demanded precise reasoning, while arguing that it was folly to
omit the Neoplatonic orientation from science. Indeed, without Neoplatonism there would be no modernity. Leibniz’s Neoplatonic course
complemented his work with machines. Leibniz crystallised the Neoplatonic orientation as a pragmatic humanist agenda, and merged it with
national imperatives for developing science. Leibniz’s policy orientation is aligned with the Hermetic conception of Man as magus, who ultimately
can control even the stars. The industrial-scientific age which followed Leibniz is a testament to the success of his life’s work.

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GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ, THE HUMANIST AGENDA AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

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Abstract

Modernity began in Leibniz‘s lifetime, arguably, and due to the efforts of a group of
philosopher-scientists of which Leibniz was one of the most significant active contributors.
Leibniz invented machines and developed the calculus. He was a force for peace, and
industrial and cultural development through his work as a diplomat and correspondence with
leaders across Europe, and in Russia and China. With Leibniz, science became a means for
improving human living conditions. For Leibniz, science must begin with the ―God‘s eye
view‖ and begin with an understanding of how the Creator would have designed the universe.
Accordingly, Leibniz advocated the a priori method of scientific discovery, including the use
of intellectual constructions or artifices. He defended the usefulness and success of these
methods against detractors. While cognizant of Baconian empiricism, Leibniz found that an
unbalanced emphasis on experiment left the investigator short of conclusions on efficient
causes. Leibniz worked outside, but complemented, the current of formal reasoning and
empiricism which was developing in scientific circles during his lifetime. He supported the
development of methods for calculation and demanded precise reasoning, while arguing that it
was folly to omit the Neoplatonic orientation from science. Indeed, without Neoplatonism
there would be no modernity. Leibniz‘s Neoplatonic course complemented his work with
machines. Leibniz crystallised the Neoplatonic orientation as a pragmatic humanist agenda,
and merged it with national imperatives for developing science. Leibniz‘s policy orientation is
aligned with the Hermetic conception of Man as magus, who ultimately can control even the
stars. The industrial-scientific age which followed Leibniz is a testament to the success of his
life‘s work.
Word Count

Number of Pages: 209
Number of Words: 70,924 (excluding footnotes)
Acknowledgements
I first met Professor James Franklin in 2007 to discuss the possibility of a project that
investigates the metaphysical and philosophical assumptions of Leibniz in his mathematical
work, most notably the calculus. I did not realise how arduous the journey was going to be, or
where in history it was going to take me. Professor Franklin provided intellectual support,
guidance and critical suggestions to keep the project going and to keep me focussed on the
original aim. The project would have reeled off the rails without Professor Franklin‘s vast
knowledge of mathematics, the history of science and philosophy. The research touched many
areas and Professor Franklin always ensured that I avoided spending too much time on
backstreets and in blind alleys while allowing new ideas to be picked up in those segues.
There were many segues!
Thank you Professor Franklin for supporting me in this odyssey. Some segues became major
new paths. Thank you for your sensitivity in striking the delicate balance between allowing
new ideas to germinate while ensuring existing ideas were developed to maturity. Thank you
for your encouragement and wisdom in confronting and overcoming the many intellectual and
research obstacles.
During the course of the project, my first child was born, and had his second birthday. There
was a period of several months when, naturally, little research was done as it was a time for
family. I thank Professor Franklin, the members of the Postgraduate Review Committee and
the University of New South Wales for supporting me through these events, and for allowing
me the time and flexibility in access to university resources to allow me to undertake my
research alongside my other responsibilities.
I appreciate the recommendations of Postgraduate Review Committee in each annual review
which helped greatly in making the following year fruitful.
The thesis examiners clearly spent many hours poring over the thesis and in writing frank and
constructive comments. The examiners‘ feedback exposed and proposed many ways to
improve the thesis, which I have acted upon. For example, greater depth of research into the
origins of Neoplatonism and the relevance of Hermetism was encouraged. The result was a
new chapter which is now Chapter 2 along with improvements throughout the thesis.
Thank you Ms Hebblewhite for your effort and professionalism. Your quick responses to my
administrative queries and attention to detail ensured that I spent minimal time on essentials
such as being enrolled and having access to the library.
Thank you Archana, my dear wife, for your kindness, care and friendship.