Review article
https://doi.org/10.20901/pm.61.3.03
The understanding of toleration of young Leibniz
Matko Globačnik
orcid.org/0000-0002-0868-2670
; Centar za inovativne studije Filozofskog fakulteta, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
Abstract
This article explores Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s understanding of toleration, focusing on his early writings and correspondence from 1668 to 1676. The central theme is Leibniz’s concept of political toleration, specifically the state’s approach to confessions (denominations) differing from the ruler’s, within the context of 17th-century Holy Roman Empire. Toleration during this period is described as the acceptance of difference rather than its celebration, examined alongside the historical practice of tolerating various confessions in the Empire's states.
The article demonstrates that Leibniz supported toleration in confessionally diverse German states. However, the critical question addressed is whether Leibniz’s vision of a politically and ecclesiastically unified Empire allowed for the continued existence of differing confessions. Analyzing the 1670 memorandum Securitas Publica, the article conclusively argues that Leibniz advocated for toleration even in his envisioned unified Empire.
The final section discusses Leibniz’s stance on "atheism," focusing on his views of philosophers Thomas Hobbes and Baruch Spinoza, widely regarded as atheists at the time. It concludes that young Leibniz’s attitude toward them and their work was neither intolerant nor censorious.
Keywords
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz; Thomas Hobbes; Baruch Spinoza; Toleration; Holy Roman Empire; 17th Century; Rationalism; Materialism; Atheism
Hrčak ID:
323304
URI
Publication date:
10.12.2024.
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