Gottfried Leibniz was a German mathematician and philosopher who independently invented calculus, developed philosophical ideas, and created a calculating machine. He aimed to reduce philosophical theories to basic elements and believed the universe was the best it could be. Leibniz also invented the binary system and worked on solving linear equations. He was accused of plagiarism by Isaac Newton regarding calculus, and his calculating machine received mixed reviews. Leibniz aimed to compile all human knowledge and was a forerunner of interdisciplinary studies.
Gottfried Wilhem Von Leibniz, born July 1, 1646, was a German mathematician and philosopher who is credited with inventing calculus independently of Isaac Newton. He also invented a number of philosophical ideas and a calculating machine. As was the custom at the time, Gottfried Leibniz taught Latin and philosophy at a young age, particularly that of Aristotle. It was exceptional because he pursued such subjects on his own, and before long he was well advanced in Latin and began to question Aristotle’s theories. This attitude was indicative of the way he pursued knowledge throughout his life.
Equipped with degrees in philosophy and law, Gottfried Leibniz soon began to focus his attention on philosophy. One of his goals was to reduce all philosophical theories to basic elements consisting of numbers, facts, sounds and colors. Gottfried Leibniz, along with René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza, is considered a rational thinker of the 17th century, espousing the philosophy that “any point of view that applies to reason is a source of knowledge or justification”.
In his work entitled Theodicee, Gottfried Leibniz outlines his idea of optimism, explaining that the universe is the best it can be. Natural disasters and other calamities that affect human existence serve a useful purpose. Their elimination could worsen the human condition.
Gottfried Leibniz invented the binary system, which forms the basis of many computer programs today. His mathematical work also involved determinants: he developed several ways to solve linear equations. Most of his mathematical activity revolved around defending his creation of calculus.
In 1675, while Leibniz was creating differential calculus notations, he received two letters from Newton informing him of the work Newton had done in relation to calculus. Leibniz did not receive those letters right away, and this would be the point of contention when others, including Newton, began to accuse him of plagiarism. Leibniz published an anonymous newsletter, known as Charta Volans, explaining the methods by which he discovered calculus. The matter still remains unresolved, although in the midst of the dispute Newton and Leibniz exchanged direct correspondence on the details of the latter’s work.
The calculating machine invented by Gottfried Leibniz has received mixed reviews. He received criticism from colleagues, but won the support of the Royal Society of London. Ultimately, however, Leibniz’s inability to complete the project affected his relationship with the institution.
Gottfried Leibniz’s other ambitions included compiling all human knowledge and becoming a famous writer. His writings are so numerous that some of them still remain dispersed in the collections of his works. It is perhaps most outstanding for its ability to cross the boundaries that separate different academic disciplines.
Leibniz combined ideas from several disciplines to form the basis of his work within a particular discipline. His dislike for the academic institutions of his time was mainly due to the fact that they prevented interdisciplinary studies. With the current popularity of interdisciplinary studies and specializations in colleges and universities, Gottfried Leibniz can be considered a forerunner of his times.
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