Date of Award
10-16-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Andrew Cutrofello
Abstract
This dissertation argues that an eternal highest good is the final end of sensible, rational agents. This final end occurs in a noumenal world – what I have labelled World Four – that has holiness analytically entailing beatitude. However, before meritorious moral agents are incorporated into this final noumenal world, they will exist in three prior worlds. World One is our current phenomenal world where sensible, rational agents can adopt a maxim to resolutely pursue holiness. World Two, which is made possible by the immortal soul postulate, is where sensible, rational agents continue their resolute pursuit in order to become well-pleasing to God. World Three, which is made possible by the God postulate, is where well-pleasing agents finally experience happiness proportional to worthiness. Thus, I am proposing a four-world system that culminates in meritorious agents finally being transported outside of sensibility and into a noumenal world of things in themselves.
Recommended Citation
Gudwien, Anthony, "Reconstructing the Kantian Ends of Reason: Holiness Analytically Entailing Beatitude in an Eternal Highest Good" (2023). Dissertations. 4041.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/4041
