Leibniz‘ Einfluss auf Wundts Psychologie, Philosophie und Ethik

Leibniz‘s essential influence on Wundt’s thinking, so far, is not thoroughly examined. In the Introduction of his Grundzüge der physiologischen Psychologie, Wundt refers to Kant and Herbart being the most influential in shaping his philosophical standpoints. Taking this lead, however, it is noticeable that Wundt’s attitude is mostly critical, especially regarding Herbart. In comparison, Leibniz’s impact is essential and constructive in forming Wundt’s psychology, philosophy, epistemology, and ethics. This influence is obvious in Wundt’s Essay on Leibniz in 1917 and from a number of basic concepts, terms, and epistemological principles in Wundt’s work. Furthermore, Leibniz’s perspectivism was formative to Wundt’s cognitive style. The introduction refers to four basic postulates in Leibniz’ thinking: Law of Continuity, Principle of Harmony, Individuality, and Autonomous Activity. The main part of the present contribution includes 10 issues or Sections: (1) Monad, Mind (Soul) and actuality; (2) Epistemology; (3) Psychophysical Parallelism; (4) Perception and Apperception; (5) (Self-) Consciousness; (6) Will and Voluntarist Tendency; (7) Principle of sufficient reason; (8) Development (Evolutionism); (9) Ethics; (10) Monism. Each Section includes citations from Leibniz’s work; definitions from Historisches Wörterbuch der Philosophie (Ritter et al., 1971 ff); Wundt’s direct commentaries on Leibniz; citations from Wundt’s work; relationships with epistemology; consequences for research and methodology; the reception of Wundt’s work and critique. Obviously, Leibniz had a profound impact on psychology and philosophy as conceived by Wundt. He transformed philosophical concepts to an innovative research program and methodology in the formative years of modern psychology. The present Essay is a plea for a renewed discourse on philosophical presuppositions in psychology, and, thus, complements previous books: Menschenbilder (Psychologische Anthropologie, 2008), Wilhelm Wundt – Pionier der Psychologie und Außenseiter? (2011), Zur Kategorienlehre der Psychologie (2013), Theoretische Psychologie (2015).