Discourse On Metaphysics Essay Research Paper In

Discourse On Metaphysics Essay, Research Paper

In the Discourse on Metaphysics by Leibniz he suggest that, “we maintain that everything that is to happen to some person is already contained virtually in his nature or notion, as properties of a circle are contained in its definition.” This assertion raised a difficulty for Leibniz. This difficulty was that “human freedom will no longer hold, and that an absolute fatality would rule over all our actions as well as over all the rest of what happens in the world.” With such a reality there would be no use for free will and whatever fate succumbs an individual is the will of the Most High; in other words, being destined. But for Leibniz, this is not the determined reality of humanity. Leibniz asserts, that it is God and only God, who has the insight of mans greatest reality. And man is unable to derive all of what he is, and is to become. For only God can foresee his fate. Leibniz suggest it is the perfect and good outcome, that God has prepared for each individual; and it is up to each person to fulfill that potential end.

This potential end (which God only knows all possible outcomes), is achieved through the person making free decisions and determining her fate. God decrees only the most perfect possible outcome for humanity, and this notion is woven within the cosmic tapestry of the human mind (a priori). Though this is the decree of God, that only the most perfect possible reality shall be for mankind; the imperfect is possible. For Leibniz states, “as I have already said, although God’s choice of the best is certain, that does not prevent the less perfect from being and remaining possible in itself, although it will not occur; for it is not its impossibility but its imperfection which makes God reject it.” Therefore, only the most perfect outcome is to be for an individual. These outcomes and future outcomes of life are based off the innate nature of the individual. And it is the individual who will choose the best possible outcome of all possible outcomes for her life. For God wills it so.

This being so, what makes up the nature of a person who chooses to perceive and know God, versus, the person who chooses to live his life consciously perceiving a reality without God. This person who chooses not to know God, denies the existence of such a Being. If God decrees the most perfect outcome for man, why would such a notion or nature be created and manifested within that individual. Because then, the person only has the most perfect possible outcomes of endless possible outcomes within the confines of his innate nature; which is not to know the Divine Creator. This being the case, he condemns himself according to the scriptures.

In attempting to reveal insight upon the first part of this two-fold question, one must first discern the meaning of human nature. According to the authoritative opinion of The Random House College Dictionary human nature is defined as; “the psychological and social qualities that characterize mankind.” In assessing the psychological and social qualities of mankind, it was easy to find oneself consumed within the vastness of characteristical qualities for which humanity has been endowed. These qualities range from ignorance to knowledge; grief to joy; from incontinence to self-restraint; lust to perseverance; injustice to justice; from malice to compassion, and other psychological and social quality which fall under these particulars. Therefore, human nature consist of an almost infinitude amount of possible psychological and social qualities. It also appears as if no one quality has any prevalence over another quality in accordance to its impact upon the human condition. It seems as that at birth these qualities are already present, but unexpressed. These qualities continue to be unexpressed, ‘less circumstances and experience invoke and develop them as the child becomes older. One can not be taught to feel happiness or sorrow. Nor can the nature of lust be thrust upon the human soul as a cloak is placed upon the person who is to wear it. It must be within the soul innate, a priori, lying dormant, and awaiting development.

Now perhaps this is a possible reason why Leibniz suggest “that everything that is to happen to some person is already contained virtually in his nature.” For this individual’s human nature has an infinitude of possible psychological and social qualities; which gives him an infinite number of possible realities to live out, depending upon the qualities of his nature. In approaching the first part of the question, (what makes up the nature of a person who chooses to perceive and know God, versus, the person who chooses to live his life consciously perceiving a reality without God.), it is seen that an individual’s nature is made up of an innumerable amount of qualities, ranging from that of the divine to the profane.

In investigating the nature of someone who seeks to know God, the life of such an individual must be examined. In questioning various people who claim to know God and have an intimately spiritual relationship with Him, there was a general consensus in what they felt. This feeling was one of authority that has now been place upon their hearts concerning their lives. This sense of authority is said to be derived from the faith that they now have within God, that all things are working for them. Meaning, that every experience or circum