Leibniz’s Monadology: A New Translation and Guide

This is a fresh translation and in-depth commentary of Leibniz’s seminal text, the Monadology. Written in 1714, the Monadology is widely considered to be the classic statement of Leibniz’s mature philosophy. In the space of 90 numbered paragraphs, totalling little more than 6000 words, Leibniz outlines – and argues for – the core features of his philosophical system. Although rightly regarded as a masterpiece, it is also a very condensed work that generations of students have struggled to understand. Lloyd Strickland presents a new translation of the Monadology accompanied by an in-depth, section-by-section commentary that explains in detail not just what Leibniz is saying in the text but also why he says it. The sharp focus on the various arguments and other justifications Leibniz puts forward makes a deeper and more sympathetic understanding of his doctrines possible. This is a new translation of Leibniz’s seminal text, by a well-known translator of Leibniz’s works. It is a complete, in-depth, section-by-section commentary of the text, bringing to light Leibniz’s arguments, principles and assumptions.It includes a detailed introduction, a schema of the text, glossary of terms, supplementary texts, questions for further study and suggestions for further reading to help you gain a solid understanding of the text.