Leibniz: A Contribution to the Archaeology of Power

Reviews / Votes

Connelly has crafted an intricate and illuminating analysis of Leibniz' thought that both challenges and enriches our understanding of the philosophy of power. This work is invaluable to scholars of law and philosophy, and makes an important contribution to the history of ideas. * Hayley Gibson, University of Kent * [Connelly] demonstrates how the Leibnizian theory of will and potentia presupposes the concept of primary matter, which, when applied to a jurisprudential perspective, is identified by Connelly as a 'state place', which allows us to understand the role of universal obligation and prohibition in Leibniz's philosophy and their divergence from the rights of individuals. Uncovering, in an 'archaeological' manner, and explicating this notion can be regarded as actually the most substantial and original element of the reviewed book [...] the book under review is the result of a highly developed, diligent and revealing study of the Leibnizian philosophy and it will certainly provide inspiration for many researchers. -- Aleksandra Horowska * The Leibniz Review * [Connelly] demonstrates how the Leibnizian theory of will and potentia presupposes the concept of primary matter, which, when applied to a jurisprudential perspective, is identified by Connelly as a 'state place', which allows us to understand the role of universal obligation and prohibition in Leibniz's philosophy and their divergence from the rights of individuals. Uncovering, in an 'archaeological' manner, and explicating this notion can be regarded as actually the most substantial and original element of the reviewed book. [...] the book under review is the result of a highly developed, diligent and revealing study of the Leibnizian philosophy and it will certainly provide inspiration for many researchers. -- Aleksandra Horowska * The Leibniz Review *