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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TITLE OF DEGREE TO BE CONFERRED (e.g. PhD) MSc STUDENT NO 3237827 SCHOOL Mathematics and Statistics Your name as it appears on University records: Kundan Misra FIRST NAMES Kundan FAMILY NAME Misra It is strongly advised that you check that your details are correct on your student profile at www.my.unsw.edu.au For other essential graduation information, you should also visit https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/academiclife/graduations.html or contact the Graduations Office on 9385 2435 or 9385 8069. MAILING ADDRESS to which graduation information is to be forwarded Unit 9, 170 Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay, NSW 2089 EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected] PHONE NUMBER: HOME 02 8021 1736 BUSINESS 02 9210 3441 MOBILE 0422 251 040 TITLE OF THESIS SUBMITTED FOR EXAMINATION Please print clearly in block letters and indicate capital letters. Please note that titles longer than 256 characters may not fit on your testamur. GOTTFRIED WILHELM LEIBNIZ, THE HUMANIST AGENDA AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD Are you currently on a Yes No scholarship? If Yes, which scholarship are you on? 6. SIGNATURE DATE IF YOU ARE INDEBTED TO THE UNIVERSITY YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO GRADUATE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE DEBT IS PAID IN FULL. Graduate Research School Telephone: +61 (2) 9385 5500 Facsimile: +61 (2) 9385 6238 Email: [email protected] Web: www.grs.unsw.edu.au CRICOS Provider No: 00098G ABN 57 195 873 179 Version 2, 26/07/06 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.