Leibniz and the Reform of Metaphysics

An Analysis of the Definition of Substance as Primitive Active Force

Abstract

In his first publications on metaphysics, Leibniz presents a reformed concept of substance in terms of primitive active force. This definition stands as one of the pillars of his mature philosophy. In this paper we clarify the general problems that Leibniz attempts to overcome with his dynamical account of substance and we analyze the distinctive features of it. In particular, we study the notions of active force and primitive force and evaluate in which sense dynamics is considered by Leibniz himself as a key to metaphysics.