Abstract

“Locke and Leibniz and the Debate over Species” An examination of Leibniz's reaction to Locke's theory of essences and species, exploring both his responses in the New Essays and his deeper views on species as developed in his other, more esoteric works. The central thesis is that the responses Leibniz offers in the New Essays are inadequate as a refutation of Locke. Not only does Leibniz misunderstand Locke's theory of nominal and real essences but in arguing against Lockealso relies on his more considered views, requiring metaphysical assumptions that, if accepted, do not even allow Locke's original concerns about species and essences to arise.