PHIL 682: Figures and Topics in Early Modern Philosophy

PHIL 682-001: Leibniz
(Fall 2026)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Angel Cabrera Global Center 1320B

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Section Information for Fall 2026

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) was one of the most important figures in the Enlightenment, influencing fields ranging from philosophy, physics, mathematics, medicine, law, to engineering. In fact, Albert Einstein once called himself a “Leibnizian". In this class, we’ll focus primarily on Leibniz’s metaphysics and epistemology, with an emphasis on how they impacted his contributions in fields such as physics and biology. After spending looking into the historical background of Leibniz’s thought, we’ll explore his views on themes such as time, space, causality, free will, determinism, the metaphysical underpinnings of enlightenment physics, the nature of individuals, the nature of matter, Aristotelianism versus Copernicanism, and more. 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines major philosophical authors, texts, and topics of the early modern period and their influence on philosophical thought. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

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