Spory Wincentego Lutosławskiego z Uniwersytetem Jagiellońskim

The paper describes the turbulent relationships between the outstanding but eccentric philosopher Wincenty Lutosławski and the Jagiellonian University in Cracow. Lutosławski had submitted several applications for the Chair of Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University since 1890, but for these were repeatedly turned down. It was only ten years later that he was granted the post of Privat-Dozent (assistant professor) at the Chair. Soon, however, his lectures began to arouse a great deal of controversy: Lutosławski failed to follow the previously submitted topics, he dressed and behaved in a strange way, and a lot of people from outside the university were allowed to attend the lectures. In 1900 Lutosławski was diagnosed by two university psychiatrists as suffering from psychosis, which led to his suspension by the Faculty Council. The philosopher made renewed attempts to appeal from the decision by sending letters to the rector of the university and the dean, but that only aggravated the conflict. In 1908, after another refusal to reinstate his right to lecture, Lutosławski demanded that his name be struck off the university's list of Dozents, which the university authorities duly complied with.