Horwich On The Leibnizian Ratio Against Absolute Space And Motion

I will argue that Paul Horwich’s classical reconstructions of the Leibnizian arguments against absolute space and absolute motion are flawed. First, I will introduce Newton’s conception of space and motion, and Horwich’s analysis of the Leibnizian response to Newton’s argument. I will then present what, I think, is the correct interpretation of Leibniz’s response to Newton. Next, I will explain why Horwich’s stance probably follows from his imperfect understanding of Leibniz’s notion of force. I will finally present Leibniz’s positive argument for a relational conception of space, and maintain that, once again, Horwich is likely mistaken in his analysis of the argument, or rather of what the argument entails