In Leibniz's view, what type of monads comprise the material universe?

Leibniz proposed the concept of monads as the fundamental building blocks of reality. In his philosophical framework, he categorized monads into different types based on their capabilities and the level of perception they possess. The type of monads that comprise the material universe are termed "simple monads." Simple monads are those that lack parts and are indivisible, making them the ultimate constituents of all substances. They represent a basic level of being that serves as the foundation for complex entities.

In contrast, rational monads possess self-awareness and the ability to engage in logical reasoning, typically attributed to human beings and some higher animals. Sentient monads have awareness but do not employ rational thought processes. Supreme monads or an ultimate Monad, often equated with God in Leibniz's philosophy, is the ultimate source of all existence and encompasses all perfections. Thus, while these other types of monads describe various forms of existence and perception, it is the simple monads that directly represent the essence of the material universe in Leibniz's philosophy.