In this concluding chapter, I first summarize the main claims made in the book (section 7.1). I then consider a point that is a pressing issue for any interpretation (such as my own) that makes much of the sublime's connection with freedom. I examine whether we should endorse or repudiate Kant's grounding the sublime on transcendental and practical freedom (section 7.2). This issue is also important because commentators such as Malcolm Budd have argued that we should reject Kant's thesis. Although there may be some good reasons to reject Kant's thesis that the sublime is based on freedom, I believe that the arguments for endorsing Kant's thesis outweigh the arguments against doing so. I therefore think that we should follow Kant in grounding the feeling of the sublime on practical freedom.

Because it is based on and reveals human freedom, the feeling of the sublime is in a good position to be used for moral ends. Of course, this does not necessarily imply that it will be so used. Accordingly, I conclude the book with a few remarks about how the feelings discussed in the preceding chapters can contribute, even if only indirectly, to the achievement of moral ends (section 7.3).

SUMMARY

This monograph has examined the ways in which sublimity can indirectly contribute to the achievement of morality in the natural order.