Leibniz and the Two Sophies – The Philosophical Correspondence

Lloyd Strickland teaches philosophy at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, having previously taught philosophy at Lancaster University and the University of Central Lancashire. His research mainly focuses on Early Modern European Philosophy, in which he has published two books—Leibniz Reinterpreted (Continuum, 2006) and Shorter Leibniz Texts (Continuum, 2006)—as well as a number of articles, and the Philosophy of Religion (both contemporary and historical), in which he has published several articles. He also runs a website ("Leibniz Translations") which contains many of his translations of Leibniz's writings: http://www.leibniz-translations.com.

"In his introduction, Lloyd Strickland proposes that Sophie, Electress of Hanover, and her daughter, Queen Sophie Charlotte of Prussia, found consolation in the idea of divine justice. Too long themselves unfairly dismissed as philosophical lightweights, proper justice may now be given to their views through this edition of their private correspondences with Leibniz. Appearing for the first time in English translation, the philosophical selections cover topics from the nature of substance to universal salvation and evidence the independence of the women's thought as they defend materialism and challenge Leibniz's conviction that God created the best possible world. The edition also boasts copious and highly informative editorial notes. It is a most welcome addition to The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe: Toronto series."

• Acknowledgments xiManuscript Sources xiiIntroduction 1The Other Voice 1Personal Relations: Sophie, Sophie Charlotte, and Leibniz 5A Brief Overview of the Correspondences 30Leibniz’s Presentation of His Philosophy in the Correspondences 34Sophie and Philosophy 49Note on Texts and Translations 64Translation 69Appendix 1: Fragmenta 418Appendix 2: Supplementary Texts 430Bibliography 439Index of Persons 455Index of Names 460