Leibniz and the body controversy: a philosophical, theological and political problem.

• Grant number: 23/15475-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - History of Philosophy
• Principal Investigator: Tessa Moura Lacerda
• Grantee: Beatriz Cardoso Silveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Our research investigates the relation between theological issues and the concept of substantial bond created in the dialogue between Leibniz and Des Bosses at the beginning of the 18th century. We propose, against a certain tradition of Anglo-Saxon and French interpretation, that the concept of substantial bond does not arise only as a means of solving the problem of the ontological status of bodies arising from Leibniz's mature philosophy. It is also associated with a theological, political, and philosophical discussion about the validity of the postulations of the Council of Trent debated over the years in the project of reuniting the Catholic and Protestant Churches. In our work, we argue that the insertion of the concept of substantial bond in the circumstances of the negotiations for the reunion of Christians not only favors the understanding of what is discussed regarding the bodies in the letters with Des Bosses but is also fundamental to give legitimacy to the concept that, over the years, has been the target of much criticism and discredit. We therefore propose to analyze the intersection between Philosophy, Theology, and Politics in the elaboration of a philosophical concept.