Abstract

The scientific revolution of the 17th century was characterized by rejection of Aristotle’s method of cognition of Nature for the sake of a new experimental and mathematical method. However, Leibniz, the great physicist and philosopher, reverts to Aristotle’s principles. Why? The article explores the problem and gives answers to the following questions: 1) What are the principles of Aristotelian physics? 2) Why did Aristotelian physics predominate for two centuries? 3) What is the reason for rejecting it? 4) Why was Leibniz interested in Aristotle’s physics? 5) What is Leibniz’s attitude to Aristotle’s physics? Leibniz agrees on many issues with Descartes and Galilei in their dispute with Aristotle, especially regarding their interpretation of the laws of Nature as established by God. Still Leibniz partly agrees with Aristotle. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is necessary to analyze the conception of force, introduced to physics by Newton, in terms of Metaphysics. In Leibniz’s view, the Aristotelian conception of entelechy gives a clear insight into the notion of force. Secondly, Leibniz as well as Aristotle deny the existence of vacuum. Thirdly, Aristotle’s teaching is in better keeping with Christianity, because it affirms the existence of final causes.