What The Hell Is A Buridan’s Ass…?

Well, we’re glad you asked. We think.

Firstly, for beautiful young Greystonians, Buridan’s Ass is an acclaimed two-man play about a troubled Russian taxidermist and his happy-go-stupid assistant – coming to The Whale for a free night of top-of-the-range theatre on Thursday, November 2^nd.

In regard to the actual meaning of the phrase that gave this play its title, and its motor, Buridan’s Ass is basically an example of a paradox in philosophy when it comes to the concept of free will.

Pay attention down the back.

The ass in question is exactly centre between a stack of hay and a pail of water, and is locked in a battle between the two. Until it dies. Of starvation. And dehydration.

As to the Buridan part, that would be 14^th century philosopher Jean Buridan, who was far from being an ass. Despite his Frenchness. His may not have been an original idea – Aristotle gave it some bottle many moons before – but, the Frenchman got to stick his flag in this particular paradox.

Now, go check out those free tickets for November 2^nd. If you’re not too late.