Préétablies

Préétablies is a French term that translates to "pre-established" in English. It is often used in philosophical and theological contexts to refer to a concept of a predetermined order or arrangement that exists independently of any specific event or intervention.

The most prominent use of this term is in the context of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's philosophy, particularly his concept of the pre-established harmony. Leibniz proposed that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a universe where all monads (fundamental substances) operate in perfect synchrony without any direct causal interaction between them. This harmony is not imposed moment by moment but is rather a pre-established arrangement that ensures all events unfold in a consistent and ordered manner. This theory was intended to resolve the mind-body problem, suggesting that mental and physical events are coordinated through this divine pre-established harmony.

Beyond Leibniz, the idea of préétablies can appear in discussions about destiny, fate, or a divine plan. It suggests that certain outcomes or relationships are already set in place, either by natural law or by a higher power, before they manifest in the observable world. This can also extend to more mundane contexts, such as pre-established rules or procedures that govern a system or organization, meaning they were set in advance. The core idea remains that something exists or is determined in advance of its realization or interaction.