Leibniz and China : A Commerce of Light

Cambridge University Press

Explore the fascinating intersection of philosophy and culture in "Leibniz and China: A Commerce of Light." This insightful work by Franklin (DePaul University, Chicago) Perkins delves into the intellectual exchange between Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Chinese thought, revealing a unique 'commerce of light' that shaped both Western and Eastern philosophies. Discover how Leibniz's ideas were influenced by Jesuit missionaries' accounts of China and how this engagement contributed to his broader philosophical system. This hardback edition provides comprehensive analysis and scholarly research for academics and enthusiasts alike. This book examines: * Leibniz's engagement with Chinese philosophy and cosmology. * The concept of a 'commerce of light' in Leibniz's writings. * The role of Jesuit missionaries in transmitting Chinese knowledge to Europe. * The impact of these exchanges on the development of Western thought. Leibniz and China: A Commerce of Light is a seminal study for anyone interested in the history of philosophy, intercultural dialogue, and the Enlightenment period.