Exploring Liebniz's Kingdoms

A Philosophical Analysis of Nature and Grace

Abstract

The paper identifies two natural kingdoms: one physical, ruled by the laws of efficient causation; the other non-physical, governed by laws of final causation. Living creatures combine both physical and mental characteristics and thereby belong to both natural kingdoms, ensuring that all events are explicable in terms of either set of laws. Distinguishing self-conscious minds from other souls, Leibniz also differentiates the kingdoms of Nature and Grace. Investigating the relations among the various kingdoms, it is found that the relation of mutual dependence between souls and their bodies in the two natural kingdoms mirrors a similar relation of mutual dependence at the level of Nature and Grace generally. Leibniz’s view also implies that the kingdom of Grace exists within the natural kingdom governed by final causation. Finally, it is suggested that we should reject Leibniz’s view that only some creatures are destined to enter the kingdom of Grace. My aim is not to fill shops with futile books, written in the air, but where possible to provide something of use (Leibniz to Duke John Ferdinand of Hanover, Nov. 1671: GE I, 274. Cited in Jordan 1927: 38).