Impact of the idea of simple universal language for description of the world and “calculation of thinking” upon emergence of the project of Internet

The subject of this research is the idea of simple universal language for description of the world in its relation to the so-called calculative thinking. The idea of simple universal language became one of the core philosophical ideas that led to the emergence of the project of Internet. Most remarkable incarnation of the idea became the Characteristica universalis of Leibniz, intended as a project for clarification of the precise names of things in existence. Development of the project led Leibniz to the work with binary calculation, which is imparted with ontological meaning within the framework of correspondence of the philosopher with the missionary in China – Father Bouvet. The article analyzes the critical perspective upon Leibniz's philosophy as the representative of the new European calculative thinking. Research methodology is based on the correspondence of Leibniz and Father Bouvet, as well as retrospective analysis of evolution of the idea of universal language. The main conclusion consists in the thought that the idea of creation of simple universal language for describing the world through the number of historical interactions strongly affected origination of the Internet. Leibniz brings under deliberation the binary system of calculation, which he considers ontological and reflects the divine harmony of the world. The article also examines the criticism towards calculative new European thinking, formulating a conclusion that the attempt to replace reasoning with calculations and formalization does not always mean leveling things in existence to the state of objects, but rather represents one of the core vectors of thinking of the European man, and is associated with the ideas on the “great chain of existence”, completeness and continuity of all in the world.

G.W. Leibniz: Sign and the Problem of Expression

The disciplinary differentiation of sciences attracted Leibniz’s attention for a long period of time. From nowadays prospects it looks very well grounded as soon as in Leibniz’s manuscripts a modern scholar finds clue ideas of any research field which would tempt him to consider Leibniz as one of the founders of this particular discipline. We argue that this is possible only in retrospection and would significantly distort the essence of Leibniz’s epistemology. Our approach implies, in contrary, the investigation of the Leibniz doctrine of signs on the background of the related philosophical problem, that of expression. The choice of semiotics is justified by the fact that it took a central place in his theoretical constructions, both those of natural sciences and of philosophy. In Leibniz system of knowledge the concept of notes (notae) and sings (signa) served a theoretical foundation of his most important and long-life aspiration to build up practical science of universal characteristics (characteristica universalis). In his eyes this practical science was the science of sciences (Scientia scientiarum), and we can consider it as the matrix for all possible scientific knowledge.

3. Encyclopaedia, scientia generalis , and the academies of sciences

The characteristica universalis was intended to provide the key instrument of a scientia generalis leading to the development of a new kind of encyclopaedia of all the sciences. ‘Encyclopaedia, scientia generalis, and the academies of sciences’ describes Leibniz’s plan to undertake the collection and systematic reorganization of all available knowledge into an updated version of Johann Heinrich Alsted’s universal encyclopaedia of all the arts and sciences. The ‘inventive’ or ‘demonstrative’ encyclopaedia could be expounded as a result of the systematic and cross-disciplinary application of relevant principles and methods. Leibniz was aware that this project should be a collaborative enterprise undertaken on a scale that only an enlightened ruler could support.

2. Characteristica universalis , logical calculus, and mathematics

How did Leibniz propose to pursue his all-embracing programme of scientific advancement? What were the core projects that held his wide-ranging intellectual life together? ‘Characteristica universalis, logical calculus, and mathematics’ explains that Leibniz nurtured the dream of developing an alphabet of human thoughts leading to the creation of a characteristica universalis: a universal system of signs designed to eliminate the ambiguity of natural language. This project progressed into the development of a logical calculus. Over and above the provision of a means of universal and unambiguous communication, however, the characteristica universalis was conceived by Leibniz as a powerful tool of scientific discovery and judgement on the model of algebra.

4. Possible worlds and fundamental principles

Leibniz’s commitment to the characteristica universalis and the scientia generalis rested on his conviction that logic is a mirror of the structure of reality. In his view, the principles that govern thought also governed reality. Reality, for Leibniz, meant first and foremost God, the eternal and infinite being encompassing all perfections. It is from Him and His eternal thoughts that the story of the world in which we find ourselves begins. Logic therefore led via metaphysics to philosophical theology. ‘Possible worlds and fundamental principles’ outlines some of Leibniz’s trademark philosophical views including on possible worlds, possible beings, identity, and the principles of non-contradiction and sufficient reason.