George Eliot, Kant, and Free Will

K. M. Newton

doi:10.1353/phl.2012.0037

George Eliot, Kant, and Free Will

K. M. Newton

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

If George Eliot is a determinist, how can she justify judging her characters on moral grounds? The most influential discussion of her determinism concludes that she believed one overcomes its depressing effects by understanding it. But this view is contradicted by her assertion that free will is a "practical" necessity, even a necessary fiction. Kantian moral theory is strongly present in her work as is shown by her use of Kantian terms, but it is grounded nonmetaphysically. Rationality and the will are essential if one is to feel free to choose. Her concept of whole self in relation to moral choice has links with Bergsonian theory.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	441-456
Number of pages	16
Journal	Philosophy and Literature
Volume	36
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1353/phl.2012.0037
Publication status	Published - Oct 2012

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George Eliot, Kant, and Free Will

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