Leibniz contra o vazio: a relação entre a teoria das substâncias e o conceito de espaço

Abstract

In order to understand the concepts of space and matter in the physics of Leibniz we should consider the metaphysical concept of substance. Such is the fundamental hypothesis of our inquiry. The problem is to conciliate the mechanical causality with an universe consisting of immaterial simple substances. Taking into account the principles of Leibniz s cosmology, the dynamic conception of substance, the refutation of the vacuum, the continuum and the infinite, the matter appears to be an aspect of the substance susceptible of infinite divisibility, without thereby invalidating the indestructibility and unity of substance. From this it arises that the space is full and relational.