Leibniz's Principle of Sufficient Reason
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's metaphysical principle stating that everything must have a reason or explanation for its existence and nature. Leibniz argued that the universe as a whole requires explanation, and this ultimate explanation must be a necessary being (God) containing the ground of all contingent facts.
Real World
Scientists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider investigate why the universe has its specific physical constants — echoing Leibniz's question about why this particular universe exists rather than a different one, or nothing at all.
Exam Focus
Define 'contingent' and 'necessary' clearly — many students lose marks by using these technical terms without explanation.
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