Leibniz and Newton on a Geometry of Space

The talk considers the evolution of Leibniz's philosophy of space, and the genesis of his famous relational theory that he opposed Newton in the course of the Leibniz-Clarke Correspondence. A detailed analysis of Leibniz' various definitions of space shows that we need to reconsider in depth the chronology of Leibniz's philosophy of space. Finally, the relationship between Leibniz and Newton on the dispute between absolute and relational space is reconsidered in a new light, an unknown source of Leibniz's conception of space is discussed, and the possibility for a different reading of the Leibniz-Clarke Correspondence is opened up.