Leibniz and Clarke – „Buridan’s ass” example and the dispute about free will

Abstract

This article delves into the debate surrounding free will as presented in the Exchange of papers between Leibniz and Clarke, an exchange of letters between Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Samuel Clarke, which took place in years 1715-1716. As an introduction to this debate, the first part will examine the example of „Buridan's ass,” which Leibniz explored in his writings on free will. The second part then presents Leibniz's views, followed by Clarke's in the third part. The final part is dedicated to the comparison of the positions of both philosophers and highlights the interpretive challenge of the entire debate, which lies in their fundamental disagreement on the definition of terms and a clear lack of willingness to understand the perspective of the adversary. In the paper it is pointed out that, contrary to the rationalism cultivated in the 17th century, philosophers advocating for the same ideals were unable to agree on the most fundamental issues.