more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 12736

[catalogued under 10. Modality / D. Knowledge of Modality / 2. A Priori Contingent]

Full Idea

Insofar as we have some insight into how God chooses, we can know a priori the laws of nature that God chooses for this best of all possible worlds. In this way, it is possible to have genuine a priori knowledge of contingent truths.

Gist of Idea

If we understand God and his choices, we have a priori knowledge of contingent truths

Source

report of Gottfried Leibniz (Conspectus libelli (book outline) [1678], A6.4.1998-9) by Daniel Garber - Leibniz:Body,Substance,Monad 6

Book Reference

Garber,Daniel: 'Leibniz: Body, Substance, Monad' [OUP 2009], p.246


A Reaction

I think it would be doubtful whether our knowledge of God's choosings would count as a priori. How do we discover them? Ah! We derive God from the ontological argument, and his choosings from the divine perfection implied thereby.