The paper aims to partially bridge the gap that separates Kant and Schiller regarding the relationship between reason and sensibility. Contrary to Schiller’s own claims, Kant’s ethics seeks a harmonious integration of the rational and emotional dimensions of the moral agent. I support this thesis by focusing on Kant’s concepts of the highest good and moral character. Finally, I highlight the difference between Kant and Schiller concerning the possibility of acting directly out of an emotion cultivated by practical reason. Nevertheless, I argue that even this difference can be reconciled, although doing so requires moving beyond a strictly faithful reading of Kant’s texts.
Stefano Pinzan (Wed,) studied this question.