Abstract

An admirable work in philosophical scholarship. As indicated in the title, the book's emphasis is on the logical and metaphysical aspects of Leibniz's philosophy. The consideration of the relationship between the two constitutes the basis for Martin's final evaluation of Leibniz, namely that Leibniz was in error in so far as he tried to bring the same precision to metaphysics as he did to mathematics. Martin develops his interpretation in the perspective of Russell's and consciously notes his agreements and differences with the latter. The author's comprehensive knowledge of the history of philosophy is reflected in his seeing the problems Leibniz dealt with as continuous with the tradition extending back through the Scholastics to Plato. Martin concentrates on the systematic rather than the historical development of Leibniz's own thought. His carefulness in developing his interpretation, together with the clarity of his writing, has resulted in a splendid treatment of a complex subject.—L. W.