Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716)

Born in Leipzig in 1646, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is an influential figure in the world of process philosophy. In addition to his philosophical contributions, Leibniz invented the infinitesimal calculus and binary numbers, along with mathematical and logical forms of notation still used today. Leibniz believed that the worlds of theory, praxis, nature, morals, and the divine as well as the human world all formed one perfect system. This chapter examines Leibniz’s philosophy in relation to process metaphysics and its relevance to organization studies. It also discusses his responses to René Descartes and Baruch Spinoza concerning various issues, such as why he called the monads substances. It also considers which organization studies authors use Leibniz today.