Abstract

The paper discusses the Correspondence between G. W. Leibniz and Samuel Clarke. More specifically, it discusses Leibniz’s objections to Clarke’s thesis that space is a property of God and Clarke’s consequent replies. First, it explains what Clarke means by space as a ‘sequel of God’. Then, it discusses the fundamental character of Clarke’s principle according to which space is ontologically indivisible. Based on this principle, it is argued that Clarke is able to reply to two of Leibniz’s objections: that his philosophy threatens divine simplicity and that it makes God an extended Being. Furthermore, it is argued that the principle of the indivisibility of space may support an attack to René Descartes’ view according to which the finite parts of space are properties of extended bodies.