Leibniz believes that the earth is the best world that mankind could live in. In contrary to the natural sense that the world contains the evil acts and the righteous acts, Leibniz argues that the creator of the world is perfect. Because God is perfect, what He creates must also be as good as possible. Leibniz draws his arguments from the attributes of God as being omniscient and omnipotent. From this view, God has the ability to whatever He likes or wishes and He also knows all things. Because of these attributes of God, His actions are always perfect (Leibniz: Discourse on Metaphysics Para. 1).
Leibniz holds to this view in the hope of solving the problem of evil. The question that many people ask is how God who is omnipotent, all-powerful as well as omniscient create a world which is filled with every form and kind of evil. Since God who created all things is not evil, its existence is controversial to the views of many. Leibniz successfully addresses this issue by noting that the world is the best possible place due to its simplicity and diversity (Leibniz: Discourse on Metaphysics Para. 2).
In contrast, Spinoza held that evil and good occurred as a result of man’s action. The relationship between evil and good is that of pain and pleasure respectively. He also held the view that all actions done by man are divine and excellent irrespective of the outcome. It is therefore possible to note that Leibniz’s view of the world is different from that of Spinoza since Leibniz acknowledges evil as a bad act while Spinoza points out that all actions are excellent. Leibniz’s philosophical view of the world as the most perfect or the best of all possible worlds holds as a valid explanation to solve the problem of evil (Bunge 125).
Conclusion
In summary, God is an infinite being who is also limitless and due to His unfathomable knowledge and abilities, all that He does is perfect and the best. Leibniz holds this view and maintains that there is no other world that is good than the earth. The actions of God are the best and therefore He created the best world.
Works cited:
Bunge, W. Spinoza Past and Present: Essays on Spinoza, Spinozism, and Spinoza Scholarship. Leiden, NV: Koninklijke Brill NV 2012.
Leibniz: Discourse on Metaphysics, n.d. accessed on 27 Nov. 2012
