形象的思惟を超えた知性と微分算－ライプニッツの発見の契機－

Abstract

Leibniz's differential calculus has been interpreted from a pragmatic point of view, and been regarded as contradictory but yet a useful instrument. This paper aims to give a new interpretation on his differential calculus through a study of his early philosophy and metaphysics. The followings are among our conclusions. Leibniz's differential calculus neither is theoretically contradictory nor was decisively described so by himself It has its own basis which employs the contextual definition of infinitesimal. And the discovery by Leibniz is closely connected to his philosophy, his idea on the intellect prior to the imagination. The intellect can comprehend the pure relational concept itself, which is not accessible for the imagination, whereas it is this concept that gives the foundation of his differential calculus.