For the first time Leibniz' political, moral, and legal thought are extensively discussed here in English. The text includes fragments of his work that have never before been translated. Riley shows that a justice based on both wisdom and love, "wise charity", has at least as much claim to be taken seriously as the familiar contractarian ideas of Hobbes and Locke. For Leibniz, nothing is more important than benevolence toward others, which he famously equates with justice and which he insists is morally crucial. Because Leibniz was the greatest Platonist of early modernity, Riley argues, his version of Platonic idealism serves as the bridge from Plato himself to the greatest modern "critical" idealist, Kant. With Leibniz' Universal Jurisprudence we now have a fuller picture of one of the greatest general thinkers of the seventeenth century.
Patrick Riley Livres






Each volume in this series of companions to major philosophers contains specifically commissioned essays by an international team of scholars, together with a substantial bibliography, and will serve as a reference work for students and non-specialists. One aim of the series is to dispel the intimidation such readers often feel when faced with the work of a difficult and challenging thinker
Will and Political Legitimacy
A Critical Exposition of Social Contract Theory in Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, and Hegel
- 296pages
- 11 heures de lecture
The book explores the concept of political legitimacy through the lens of individual will. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of authority and governance, examining how personal agency and collective consent shape the legitimacy of political systems. The text engages with various theories and perspectives, offering insights into the relationship between individual rights and state power. Through its analysis, it aims to provide a deeper understanding of what constitutes legitimate political authority in contemporary society.
The General Will before Rousseau
The Transformation of the Divine into the Civic
- 294pages
- 11 heures de lecture
Exploring the theological origins of Rousseau's "general will," Patrick Riley delves into seventeenth-century debates on divine justice and salvation. He examines the implications of God's will concerning universal salvation and the selective damnation of some individuals. Riley highlights how Rousseau drew on the language and concepts from thinkers like Pascal, Malebranche, and Fenelon to elevate political discourse, intertwining theology with political philosophy to enrich his ideas.
X-Rated Video Guide 4 5 6
- 1500pages
- 53 heures de lecture
This comprehensive compilation from Patrick Riley updates editions 4-6 with extensive information on X-rated film stars. It includes star names, alternate names, physical descriptions, and biographical details, along with personal insights, movie titles, and production dates. Serving both enthusiasts and casual readers, it is an essential resource for discovering films featuring favorite stars. The index goes beyond simple listings, providing detailed descriptions and cross-references to video distributors and manufacturers, making it a valuable tool for film aficionados.
Leibniz, often celebrated for his contributions to metaphysics and mathematics, also had a significant yet overlooked role as a political and moral philosopher. His background in law and experience as a judge and diplomat shaped his insights into political theory. Patrick Riley sheds light on this underappreciated aspect of Leibniz's life, highlighting his influence as a legal adviser to prominent figures such as Czar Peter the Great and the Holy Roman Emperor. This exploration reveals the depth of Leibniz's thought beyond his well-known scientific achievements.
Sein ganzes akademisches Leben hat Patrick Riley, Jahrgang 1941, der Ethik und der politischen Philosophie, in besonderem Maße der von Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, gewidmet. Seine 1972 erschienenen Political Writings of Leibniz haben der Forschung den Weg zu einem Verständnis aufgezeigt, das die politische Philosophie und das politische Denken und Wirken von Leibniz in den zentralen Fokus internationaler Leibniz-Forschung rückt. Einen unlösbaren Zusammenhang zwischen Gerechtigkeit, Recht, Ethik und Metaphysik sieht Riley auch in Leibniz' drei in Wien entworfenen Schriften von 1714, der Monadologie, den Vernunftprinzipien der Natur und der Gnade, sowie dem bisher von der Forschung wenig beachteten so genannten Wiener Vortrag über die Griechen. Diesen Zusammenhang befindet Riley für so stark, dass er in dem im vorliegenden Heft präsentierten Beitrag erstmals und ausdrücklich von einer »Wiener Trinität« spricht. Angehängt sind eine Reinschrift von Leibniz' auf Latein überlieferten Wiener Vortrag über die Griechen und dessen erstmalige deutsche Übersetzung. Prof. Riley verstarb am 10. März 2015. Das vorliegende Heft dokumentiert seinen letzten Vortrag.