What does English empirical idealism have to do with Spinoza and Leibniz's panlogism? Maybe nothing. But just in case, take a look here. Philosophers and sheep included.
Empirical Idealists and the Art of Overcomplicating the World
So, you want to know how Spinoza, Leibniz, and a handful of English philosophers turned philosophy into a real extreme sport? Great. Let's start with English empirical idealism, which essentially tried to convince us that we can understand the world based on what we see and touch. Sure, as easy as grocery shopping, right? Except that Spinoza and Leibniz thought reality was something else entirely: a series of divine thoughts tangled up like a ball of wool.
The Hot Topics: Between Spinoza, Leibniz, and the English Who Just Wanted to See to Believe
Spinoza
Spinoza is born, and, to everyone's surprise, grows up and starts philosophizing, convinced that everything is God. A pretty strange God, though, since it coincides with the universe itself. They call it "panlogism," the idea that everything is reason. Too bad he didn’t find time to solve the sheep issue.
Leibniz
Enter Leibniz. Among his contributions is the belief that God, quite kindly, chose to create the best possible world. If this is the best, better not think about the others. Leibniz also invented calculus. Just to add more confusion to the mix.
The Crew
John Locke and his buddies in England worked hard to reduce everything to sensory experience. See a sheep? Then it exists. Don’t see it? Well, maybe it’s not there.
Who Was Right? No One. Or Maybe Everyone.
In conclusion, the relationship between English empirical idealism and Spinoza and Leibniz's panlogism isn’t exactly a walk in the park with sheep (although some philosophers would have appreciated it). Empirical idealism insisted that the world should be interpreted through our senses, while panlogism reminded us there’s a divine logic that connects everything. Who wins? Probably the one who decided not to think too much and just enjoyed a stroll in the countryside.
Perché te lo consiglio
Te lo consiglio perché filosofeggiare sui massimi sistemi senza mai arrivare a una conclusione può darti un senso di superiorità intellettuale che nessun corso di yoga ti offrirà mai.
Perché non te lo consiglio
Non te lo consiglio perché, se sei una persona pragmatica che preferisce risposte chiare e dirette, queste pagine non faranno altro che darti mal di testa.
Why I recommend IT
I recommend it because philosophizing about the highest matters without ever reaching a conclusion can give you an intellectual superiority that no yoga class will ever offer.
Why I Don't Recommend IT
I don’t recommend it if you're a pragmatic person who prefers clear and direct answers. These pages will do nothing but give you a headache.
