Kant's Theory Of Perfection

Immanuel Kant,as the preeminent philosopher in classical German philosophy,gave answer to what's human being by analyzing what could I know,what should I know as well as what may I hope.Kant's philosophy,to this extent can be said as philosophy about human being.As he said in the concluding section of the Critique of Practical Reason:Two things fill the heart with ever renewed and increasing awe and reverence,the more often and the more steadily we meditate upon them:the starry firmament above and the moral law within.This proves that Kant has moral faith towards human being,thus the concept of the Highest Good,the core of Kant's philosophy,can be seen as an ideal moral status set by Kant.It subjectively derives from human being's free will and respect of morality,objectively the requirement from the moral law.The Highest Good roots in human being's reason,in which pure reason helps to clarify its characteristics,essence and value,and further forms moral principles based on free will and intention of respect,while practical reason will play an instructive role to lead human being to act according to Moral Laws.Fulfillment of the Highest Good lies in the unity of virtue and happiness.Virtue is discipline of will,self-control,revolution of intention as well as struggle against evil for all good qualifications and most importantly it is the premise of happiness.Only by enriching virtue through the respect of Moral Law and the sense of duty can human being enjoy the ultimate happy status.From this perspective,Highest Good is the everlasting development of virtue as well as Moral Law-based self-autonomy.Kant himself has firm faith in human being,but referring to current social circumstances,he has to admit that we are all limited rational being,and for fulfilling the Highest Good,despite our own efforts,we have to turn to the assumptions of free will,immortal soul as well as the existence of God.Morality,thus,is supposed to be a faith,which can turn should into could and is a strong mind to conquer the impossible.Kant is doing all he can to make the traditional theological religion die away and make moral religion based on soul and integrity a reality.Magnificent and imposing as Kant's moral philosophy is,still doubt and criticism come around.But they can't shadow the value of the Highest Good in both theory and reality.The concept of the Highest Good further verifies morality is the measure of man,the true nature of the Highest Good is self-autonomy,and the Highest Good is the ideal status of morality.Kant's philosophy has its own indestructible,deep-rooted reason system and can arouse natural affinity towards human being's intention,which would definitely contribute to Kant's firm and enlarging faith in morality.The concept of the Highest Good can not only strengthen our will,clarify our duty,enrich our soul,but also it can work in a natural way to obtain preternatural results.It is this very concept that would lead human beings to an everlasting march towards Goodness and then better Goodness.