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Single Idea 19329

[from 'The Theodicy' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 28. God / B. Proving God / 3. Proofs of Evidence / b. Teleological Proof ]

Full Idea

These admirable laws [of physics] are wonderful evidence of an intelligent and free being, as opposed to the system of absolute and brute necessity, advocated by Strato and Spinoza.

Gist of Idea

The laws of physics are wonderful evidence of an intelligent and free being

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (The Theodicy [1710], p.332), quoted by Franklin Perkins - Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed 2.II

Book Reference

Perkins,Franklin: 'Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed' [Continuum 2007], p.24


A Reaction

Note the swipe at Spinoza. Leibniz defends the absolute necessities residing in God, but is too polite to call those 'brute', though personally I can't see the difference. But he says the laws arise from 'perfection and order', not from God's necessity.