Platonism in Early Modern Natural Philosophy: The Case of Leibniz and Conway (original) (raw)

This study explores the influence of Platonism on early modern natural philosophy, focusing on the contributions of Leibniz and Conway. It argues that the complexities in defining Platonism impact our understanding of its role during this period. The paper delineates how various thinkers interpreted and integrated Platonic ideas, often blending them with other philosophical traditions, primarily through the works of Marsilio Ficino. The text also highlights the challenges in assessing these philosophical developments due to the diverse and sometimes contradictory nature of Platonist thought.