The Pleasures of Contra-purposiveness: Kant, the Sublime, and Being Human

Abstract

Serious doubts have been raised about the coherence of theories of the sublime and the usefulness of the concept. By contrast, the sublime is increasingly studied as a key function in Kant's moral psychology and in his ethics. This article combines methodological conservatism, approaching the topic from within Kant's discussion of aesthetic judgment, with reconstruction of a conception of human agency that is tenable on Kantian grounds. I argue that a coherent theory of the sublime is possible and useful, and the experience of the sublime is significant for our self‐conception as agents. However, the chief interest in the sublime is not moral.

Metaphoric and associative aftereffects of impactful dreams.

“…However, the self-perceptual changes precipitated by existential and transcendent dreams also have aesthetic aspects. Specifically, existential and transcendent dreams evoke a form of sublime feeling that, consistent with a Kantian aesthetics (Kant, 1987), combines the “pleasure” of a shift toward self-perceptual depth (increased understanding of deeply human [not just personal] predicaments) with the “unpleasure” that derives from awareness that this shift in understanding remains utterly inexpressible (Deligiorgi, 2014, p. 29). Existential dreams evoke this poignant tension in the context of perceived discord and felt ineffectuality, resulting in sublime disquietude; transcendent dreams evoke this poignant tension in the context of perceived elevation and felt vigor, resulting in sublime enthrallment.…”

Sublimity and the Ends of Reason: Questions for Deligiorgi

“…This idea becomes clearer once we see that these two elements correspond to the two aforementioned “aspects” of agency: passivity and activity. In encountering something contra‐purposive, that is, something which “eludes and overwhelms” our cognitive and worldly aims (to know and to act), we become aware of our passivity vis‐à‐vis the world (Deligiorgi , 31). But, at the same time, we become aware, through the resistance posed by the object or event to our theoretical and practical aims, that we are end‐setting beings, that is, that we are the kinds of creatures who set goals for ourselves and can actively pursue these goals with some modicum of success.…”

“…Jane Forsey, for instance, has argued that all theories of the sublime “rest on a mistake” (2007, 381). In her article, “The Pleasures of Contra‐purposiveness: Kant, the Sublime, and Being Human,” Katerina Deligiorgi () provides a rejoinder to Forsey. Deligiorgi argues—with the help of Kant—that a coherent theory of the sublime is possible, and she provides a sketch for such a theory.…”

“…One response would be to say that agency, in cases of mathematical sublimity, is exercised in relation to our aims as knowers . We aim to cognitively “get to grips” with the world, so we can orient ourselves successfully within it (Deligiorgi , 32).…”