Leibniz¿s metaphysics of space and time stands at the centre of his philosophy and is one of the high-water marks in the history of the philosophy of science. In this work, Futch provides the first systematic and comprehensive examination of Leibniz¿s thought on this subject. In addition to elucidating the nature of Leibniz¿s relationalism, the book fills a lacuna in existing scholarship by examining his views on the topological structure of space and time, including the unity and unboundedness of space and time. It is shown that, like many of his more recent counterparts, Leibniz adopts a causal theory of time where temporal facts are grounded on causal facts, and that his approach to time represents a precursor to non-tensed theories of time. Futch then goes on to situate Leibniz¿s philosophy of space and time within the broader context of his idealistic metaphysics and natural theology. Emphasizing the historical background of Leibniz¿s thought, the book also places him in dialogue with contemporary philosophy of science, underscoring the enduring philosophical interest of Leibniz¿s metaphysics of time and space.

Far-reaching examination of one of the central topics in early modern philosophy of science and natural philosophy

Chapter 1: A Brief History of the Philosophy of Space and Time Chapter 2: Leibniz¿s Reductionism
Chapter 3: The Unity of Space and Time
Chapter 4: The Bounds of Space and Time
Chapter 5: Causal and Temporal Asymmetry
Chapter 6: The Unreality of Temporal Becoming
Chapter 7: Space, Time and Harmony
Chapter 8: Space, Time and God
Bibliography