Leibniz, Bayle and the Controversy on Sudden Change

What is it about?

This is an an article on the problem of sudden change in Leibniz's pre-established harmony. I will give an overview of the fascinating communication between G. W. Leibniz and Pierre Bayle on pre-established harmony and sudden change in the soul. Bayle was critical towards the pre-established harmony and presented various cases (the most famous being "Bayle's dog") where it was not supposed to work. Leibniz did his best to defend his theory and managed to partly convince Bayle. However, the discussion was troubled by the fact that all of Leibniz's views were not published at the time of the communication. I will also reflect on whether the controversy could have ended in agreement if it would have continued longer.

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Why is it important?

The paper helps us understand why the exchange of views between Leibniz and Bayle never totally succeeded, although Bayle did change his views and considered Leibniz's pre-established harmony as a possible alternative metaphysical to the occasionalism presented by Malebranche. It is also illuminating in terms of Leibniz's views on spontaneity and freedom.

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