Abstract
This article shows how the so-called digital ontology betrays the metaphysical-theological thought of Leibniz (of which it claims to be heir), giving rise to an apparent “algorithmic providence” which, however, confines subjects in algorithmic types, making it impossible the occurrence of event and of the new. If digital ontology sees in Leibniz a
thinker from whom to interpret being on the basis of algorithms, this article – by
reconstructing Leibniz’s thought – wants to show not only how the operation of digital
ontology is not legitimate, but also how – through Leibniz’s doctrine of the divine decrees –
it is possible to think of a praxis effectively generating of event. Starting from Leibniz,
therefore, we will describe a metaphysics of the instant, in which the moment of decision and
action is untied from algorithmic determinism. In conclusion, the article proposes that the
theological-metaphysical notion of Providence can constitute a central idea for thinking a
practice that is able to transcend the immanence of virtual reality, dominated by algorithmic
determinism and the indefinite reproduction of the identical.