Leibniz's New Essays Concerning The Human Understanding

This book presents a critical exposition of Leibniz's New Essays concerning the Human Understanding which is a chapter-by-chapter rebuttal by Gottfried Leibniz of John Locke's major work An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Written in dialogue form it has two speakers—Theophilus who represents the views of Leibniz and Philalethes who represents those of Locke. All of Locke's major arguments against innate ideas are criticized at length by Leibniz who defends an extreme view of innate cognition according to which all thoughts and actions of the soul are innate. In addition to his discussion of innate ideas Leibniz offers penetrating critiques of Locke's views on personal identity free will mind-body dualism language necessary truth and Locke's attempted proof of the existence of God.