monadistic

Monadistic refers to a philosophical concept that emerged from the work of Giordano Bruno in the late 16th century. Bruno's monadistic philosophy posits that the universe is composed of an infinite number of indivisible, fundamental entities called monads. These monads are not merely inert particles but are active, soul-like substances possessing perception and appetition. Each monad is considered a universe unto itself, reflecting the totality of the cosmos from its unique perspective.

Bruno's monads are distinct from the monads later developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, though both share the idea of fundamental, simple substances. Bruno's monads are more dynamic and interconnected, with a hierarchical structure that governs their interactions. He believed that God, as the ultimate monad, imbues all other monads with their essence and activity. This concept provided Bruno with a framework to explain the unity of the universe, its infinite diversity, and the principle of change and motion within it. His monadistic view was a significant departure from Aristotelian physics and a precursor to later developments in metaphysics and the philosophy of mind. The concept challenged existing scientific and religious paradigms by suggesting a living, interconnected cosmos at its most fundamental level.