Abstract

The following essay presents an analysis on Kantian aesthetics, more specifically directed to the concept of the sublime. We begin with a broad approach to the nature of Kantian aesthetics – in relation to aesthetic-reflexive judgements. Only after this brief context we move on to define the sublime following Immanuel Kant’s approach, doing so in contrast with the concept of beauty – the same way Kant clarified. Sublimity incurs from an inability of human imagination and understanding to comprehend certain phenomena, whose magnitude is beyond us and petrifies us; there is, however some moral potential in this sentiment. In conclusion, we propose a more contemporary reflection on the sublime.