From Inclinations to Freedom: Kant's critique of Epicurus
Andrew Benjamin (Monash University)

September 5, 2013, 5:15pm - 7:15pm
Department of Philosophy, University of Melbourne

Arts West: 115 (Prest Theatrette)
Parkville Campus
Melbourne
Australia

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Abstract: The question the paper addresses is how Kant’s critical engagement with Epicurus is to be understood. From one perspective Kant’s argument is that the Epicurean position precisely because it privileges ‘happiness’, where the latter is no more than the result of a set of orientations or inclinations, while providing an important element of the ‘good life’ cannot ground it. If there is to be a ground then it has to be that which is a priori. Abstracting from experience cannot provide necessity. The only ground of necessity is the a priori which in being extrinsic to experience grounds the possibility of judgement in relation to that which occurs a posteriori.  What matters here is force of this distinction. In other words, rather than approach the distinction in the precise terms in which it is advanced what is important is the nature of the distinction it is staging.

For more information: Dana Goswick ([email protected])

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