Local Goods, Global Good, and Desire | Candace Vogler
May 18, 2024
auto_awesome
Philosophy professor Candace Vogler discusses desire for higher goods, exploring its mysterious and transformative nature. Topics include the evolution of desire and self-consciousness, fundamental restlessness, desires in practical reasoning, Aquinas' framework on desire and habit, and the pursuit of divinity in seeking higher goods.
The desire for higher goods influences decisions in career and relationships, drawing individuals towards elusive objectives.
Geist's pursuit of complete knowledge emphasizes the intricate relationship between understanding and perceived objects.
Deep dives
Understanding the Longing for Higher Goods
The desire for higher goods influences decisions in various aspects of life, such as career paths and relationships. Delving into Hegel's exploration of desire for higher good, it reveals a sense of mystery and allure that accompanies such desires, drawing individuals towards objectives that remain somewhat elusive.
Geist's Quest for Knowledge and Activity
In Hegel's work, Geist's pursuit of complete objective knowledge reflects a craving for an unadulterated understanding of reality, detached from subjective influence. This journey leads Geist to shift focus towards the present moment's perceptual field, highlighting the intricate connection between the subject's understanding and the perceived objects.
The Evasive Nature of the Ultimate Good
Reflecting on philosophers like Kant, the quest for happiness in proportion to virtue emerges as a central desire of practically reasoning beings. The pursuit of this ultimate good remains elusive, emphasizing the challenge of fully grasping or attaining it independently, thereby underscoring the inherent unattainability associated with desires for the highest ideals.
Embracing Mystery in Desire and Higher Goods
Exploring the interplay between practical reason and desires for higher goods reveals a complex dynamic where aspects beyond individual comprehension play a significant role. Acknowledging the enigmatic nature of desire for the ultimate good encourages humility and introspection, suggesting that the pursuit of higher goods holds a certain level of mystery that eludes complete understanding.