라이프니츠의 「새로운 체계」와 기계 형이상학

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to interpret Leibniz’s metaphysics as a machine metaphysics by reading his metaphysics in focusing on the concept of machine instead of substance. The substance was the central concept of modern metaphysics, but it was not the main concern of philosophy since the 17th century. Thus, substance became a concept showing the break of modern metaphysics. But ‘machine’ can be a connection concept that keeps connecting modern metaphysical thoughts. For Machine or mechanistic thinking is also valid in modern times. This is why I want to see Leibniz’s metaphysics as a machine metaphysics. In order to do this, I will show that the conditions of substance, ‘true unity’ and ‘active force’ described in Leibniz’s substance theory, are applied to natural machines introduced in his “Système Nouveau”. It is also suggested that the structure of the world explained through the concept of corporeal substance is the same as the structure of the world explained through the concept of natural machine. Leibniz’s new mechanistic system was constructed by reintroducing of the concept of substantial form and through the distinction between natural and artificial machines. And he reveals that substance in his metaphysical system is ultimately life-bearing, living being, by calling ‘living bodies’ or ‘organisms’ as natural machines. Thus, it is revealed that living being is a constituent of nature and that the principle of life is an essential element of such being.