Re-Envisioning the Picture of Dorian Gray Through Immanuel Kant’s Moral Philosophy

Abstract

One of the most prominent novels of the Victorian era, The Picture of Dorian Gray has been a focus of both literary and philosophical studies since its publication. Oscar Wilde not only criticizes Victorian society through unique characters of the novel but also investigates ethics. This study will explore Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray under the light of Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy. Wild grounds much of his understanding of morals upon the concept of “good will”, which is also the foundation of Kant’s “duty”. According to his idea, the actions that are done in accordance with “good will” are supposed to be done with the maxims that can be universalized. These actions must develop humanity and lives of people, as well. Contrary to this view, gradual changes of Dorian’s character, as he follows his desires and passions, leads to deterioration and loss of his “good will” and moral sentiment. This study sights to explore the incongruences of Dorian’s fluctuant character with Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy.

Keywords

• the picture of dorian gray
• ethics
• immanuel kant
• good will
• duty
• dorian gray’in portresi
• etik
• immanuel kant
• hüsnüniyet
• ödev