Leibniz on Per Se Possibility.

This essay critically examines a widely held assumption in interpreting Leibniz's modal metaphysics: that whatever is necessarily actual is necessary. I argue that Leibniz rejected this axiom for principled reasons having to do with his views on the grounding of metaphysical modalities in divine power and intellect (but not divine will). I also argue that if we read him in light of this rejection, his <italic>per se</italic> possibility theory becomes (contrary to its reception in the literature) quite successful in addressing the problem of necessitarianism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]