PHIL 030 Chapter : Discourse on Metaphysics Monadology.doc
Document Summary
The monad is a simple substance that has no parts to it; it has something that makes them the source of their actions. All simple substances or monads are souls where perception is distinct and accompanied by memory (71). The nature of a substance is essentially a complete list of truths about it. There must be variety of properties and internal change of properties in monads otherwise they would not be beings. We should seek perception in simple substances and not in composites. A simple substance can"t exist without the property of perception. Humans beings can still be free based on god"s first decree always to do what is most perfect: man will do freely which appears to be best. Since god has already chose the monads, he has also scripted what would be in every substance, so there essentially isn"t freedom. However, if humans rule out that action is by absolute necessity then humans would be free.
