Scribd
Upload
20 views1 page

Regulative Ideals

Uploaded by

aavashbaral7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
20 views1 page

Regulative Ideals

Uploaded by

aavashbaral7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

I am currently reading the book Classical Indian Philosophy by Peter Adamson, which was

recommended by Noumena Nomad. I’ve read the first chapter, and one of the interesting
ideas I found there was "The Ideal as a Regulative Idea."

The holistic view of ideals like Moksha or Nirvana may not be very appealing to the masses.
For example, if we take the case of Moksha, one appealing aspect is the idea of being free
from all suffering. However, the flip side is that there would also be no happiness, which
makes it less desirable or relatable for many people.

Peter Adamson proposes that these ideals are not actual end goals, but rather regulative
ideas. When we set such high standards—like the ideal of Moksha—we begin to shape our
mental and physical states in a way that allows us to live at the highest possible level. It
functions more as a psychological tool: one that purifies behavior, helps reorder or prioritize
our desires, and serves as a mirror for self-reflection.

You might also like