Date of Award
Spring 2021
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Honors Bachelor of Arts
Department
Philosophy
Sponsor
Mario D'Amato
Committee Member
Tom Cook
Committee Member
Matt Nichter
Abstract
This thesis analyzes Kantian ethics, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion within the context of Christianity and Buddhism. The first part of the paper is dedicated to an exegesis of Kant’s ethical theory and his philosophy of religion. The second part of the paper presents arguments for why Buddhism is closer to Kant’s ideal religion than Christianity. Specifically, this latter section analyzes Kant’s necessary postulates for pure practical reason within the context of each religion. The conclusion of this thesis is that Buddhism better aligns with Kant’s ideal religion with regard to both metaphysics and the ideal goal of religion: cultivating moral persons.
Recommended Citation
Grimm, Whitney, "Kant the Buddhist: An Analysis of Kantian Ethics, Metaphysics, and Philosophy of Religion in the Context of Christianity and Buddhism" (2021). Honors Program Theses. 139.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/honors/139
Rights Holder
Whitney Grimm