What was the Leibnitz mean by the assertion “Monads are windowless”. How does he argue for the possibility of interaction between ‘Windowless Monads’ ?

Leibniz's "Windowless Monads" and the Possibility of Interaction

1. Introduction:

• Monads as Fundamental Entities: In Leibnizian metaphysics, monads represent the ultimate constituents of reality. Each monad is a simple, indivisible substance endowed with perceptions and appetitions. One intriguing assertion by Leibniz is that monads are "windowless," suggesting a self-contained nature. This discussion delves into the meaning of "windowless monads" and Leibniz's argument for the possibility of interaction among them.

2. The Concept of "Windowless Monads":

• Self-Contained Entities: Leibniz's term "windowless" implies that monads lack direct causal interaction with each other. Each monad is a self-contained, closed system that reflects the entire universe from its unique perspective. The absence of windows signifies the inability to directly perceive or be influenced by external entities.

3. Harmony and Pre-Established Harmony:

• Pre-Established Harmony: While monads are windowless, Leibniz proposed the concept of pre-established harmony. This suggests that despite their isolation, monads are synchronized in a predetermined, harmonious way. The harmony is pre-established by a divine plan, ensuring that the perceptions of each monad correspond with the perceptions of others without direct interaction.

4. Perceptions and Apperception:

• Perceptions Within Monads: Monads, according to Leibniz, have perceptions that unfold in a dynamic and interconnected manner. These perceptions represent the unfolding of the monad's internal states. Apperception, the self-awareness of perceptions, ensures the unity and continuity of the monad's experiences.

5. Principle of Sufficient Reason:

• Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR): Leibniz's PSR asserts that everything has a reason or cause for its existence and nature. This principle plays a crucial role in reconciling the windowless nature of monads with their apparent interaction. According to PSR, the harmony and coordination among monads are grounded in the sufficient reason established by the divine plan.

6. God as the Ultimate Harmonizer:

• God's Role in Harmony: Leibniz posited that God, as the ultimate metaphysical entity, ensures the pre-established harmony among windowless monads. God orchestrates the universe in such a way that the internal states and perceptions of each monad align with the experiences of others. The divine intellect harmonizes the entire system.

7. Critique of Interactionist Views:

• Rejection of Interactionism: Leibniz rejected the Cartesian and Newtonian ideas of direct interaction between substances. His windowless monads stand in contrast to the mechanistic worldview that posits external forces influencing entities. Leibniz argued that such interactionism is incompatible with the indivisibility and internal nature of monads.

8. Monads as Mirrors of the Universe:

• Reflection of the Universe: While windowless, each monad reflects the entire universe from its unique perspective. The perceptions of a monad mirror the entire cosmos, and the harmonious coordination among monads ensures a unified representation of reality without direct causal links.

9. Harmonious Unfolding of Perceptions:

• Dynamic Unfolding: Leibniz envisioned monads as dynamic entities whose perceptions unfold over time. The pre-established harmony guarantees that the unfolding of one monad's perceptions aligns seamlessly with the unfolding of others, creating a coherent and interconnected cosmic tapestry.

10. Conclusion:

• Harmonious Unity of Windowless Monads: In conclusion, Leibniz's assertion of "windowless monads" encapsulates the idea of self-contained entities that lack direct causal interaction. The harmonious unity among these monads is secured by the pre-established harmony orchestrated by God. Leibniz's metaphysical system, with its emphasis on internal perceptions, divine coordination, and rejection of direct interactionism, offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all things.