Adjusting Leibniz’s theory of consciousness
Perception, apperception, and reflection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/pen.v79.i302.y2023.008Keywords:
Leibniz, consciousness, unconscious perceptions, perceptions, apperceptions, reflectionAbstract
This paper focuses on the clarification of the notions of unconscious perceptions («petites perceptions»), perceptions, and apperceptions in Leibniz’s theory of consciousness in order to answer two questions: 1) Ad intra, i.e. intra-substantially: How does an unconscious event become conscious within a single simple substance? 2) Ad extra, i.e. inter-substantially: where does consciousness arise in the hierarchy of monads? To answer these questions I will first analyse the theory of consciousness Leibniz framed in his metaphysics, with a focus on the most conflicting passages and problem that arise when defining consciousness. Second, I will examine the most commented interpretations that currently exist about this problem. I will focus on the positions of Rocco J. Gennaro, Larry M. Jorgensen, Christian Barth and Alison Simmons. Finally, I will propose a new interpretation of Leibniz’s theory of consciousness.
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References
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