Abstract

In this paper I argue for a notion of conversion in Kant’s critical philosophy by drawing a connection between the conversions to be found in Kant and the intellectual, moral, and religious conversions of Augustine. I liken Augustine’s Platonic metaphysics of God to Kant’s antinomy of Pure Reason as an intellectual conversion. I link Augustine’s moral conversion with Kant’s meta-maxim to commit to a use of reason that is free from the influence of inclination. I connect Augustine’s religious conversion with Kant’s recognition of God as the postulated condition for the highest good. There are advantages to understanding the conversions in Kant for understanding how his critical philosophy views faith more generally. The conversions in Kant point to the practical necessity of faith as Kant understands it. Such an interpretation also unifies Kant’s contribution to the conversation on the relationship between faith and reason. For Kant faith, much like knowledge, is a form of holding true and as such is reasonable.

Highlights

  • Suggests that genuine moments of faith are only possible if one has rejected the transcendental illusion that purports to offer content to the notions of God, freedom, and immortality. He holds that his critical project has “ found it necessary to deny knowledge, in order to make room for faith.”[1]. Still this move to make room for faith is seen by many as one that undercuts faith rather than pro

  • I consider it a given that Augustine is an important figure for the Catholic intellectual tradition and that he has much to say about faith

  • Having realized that God does not admit of substance or extension and having freed himself of concern for physical pleasure, the final concern for Augustine’s devotion to God is the recognition that his ultimate joy rests not in worldly accomplishments but in faithful devotion to God, “You know, O Lord, that on that day when we talked of these things the world with all its delights seemed cheap to us in comparison with what we talked of.”[20]. What Augustine once saw as simple and unaccomplished is the only way to eternal joy

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Summary

Introduction

K Augustine, saint; conversion; faith and reason; Kant, Immanuel

Results
Conclusion

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