PRIMITIVE FORCE AND DERIVATIVE FORCE IN G. W. LEIBNIZ. MODIFICATION AND LIMITATION

Derivative force is described by Leibniz as a modification or limitation of the entelechy or primitive force. However, he also describes it as belonging to phenomena and as the cause of physical motion. Some scholars have found in this particular matter an unsolvable trouble, while some others have proposed different solutions. This paper presents an analysis of the notion of "mode" as it describes the relationship between primitive and derivative forces. Taking this into account, I shall criticize the interpretation of two scholars on this matter, and I will try to provide an explanation on how the derivative forces can belong to phenomena while being a modification of entelechy. This may be a major achievement in order to understand the relations between metaphysics and dynamics in Leibnizian philosophy.