The essay starts with an analysis of friendship and love for the other in Leibniz to reflect on his youthful view of the animal (brute) as distinct from the person, closely linked to the concept of justice and public law. The author then examines Kant’s position on animality, benevolence and love by tracing the Leibnizian motifs.
Keywords: Leibniz, Kant, Animal, Right, Benevolence.