1. Read paragraphs 1-12 of Leibniz' New System ..., (pp. 229-232)

2. Write a précis of these 12 paragraphs.

A précis of a text is an abridged, condensed version of the original text. The goal of a précis is to quite literally 're-present' the text in a shortened form. Hence, a précis does not evaluate, provide interpretation, nor add any material to the text.

Some additional information:
(a) Your title should be "Précis of Leibniz' New System of the Nature of Substances and their Communication, and of the Union which Exists Between the Soul and the Body."
(b) All direct quotations are to be in quotation marks and followed by page reference in parentheses. Nothing else requires citation, since the entire précis is a rewriting of the original text cited in the title. Avoid relying on quotations--an acceptable précis comprised primarily of quotations is extremely difficult to pull off.
(c) Write in the author's voice--you are providing a condensed version of the article, not a report of what the author says--Eg. Write: "Minds are ...." rather than "Leibniz holds minds ...." or "The author thinks....."
(d) For the most part, you should maintain the order and organization of the original article as much as possible. Reordering or reorganizing is acceptable only in those cases in which such reorganization best presents the essential line of argument.

Extra directions: Complete this homework on separate paper. Put your name on this sheet and staple this sheet to your answers. Remember to pledge your work!

Due: Thursday, February 19, at the beginning of class.