schiller's free will

"...with the help of reason, we maintain our independence from nature in two senses: first, because (in a theoretical sense) we pass beyond natural conditions and can think more than we know; second, because (in a practical sense) we set ourselves above natural conditions and, by means of our will, can contradict our desires. When perception of some subject matter allows us to experience the former, it is theoretically magnificent, something cognitively sublime. A subject matter providing us with the feeling of the independence of our will is practically magnificent, a sublimeness of character" (p. 23)

theoretically sublime: cognitive instinct contradicted by nature as an object of knowledge. (merely as an object that should have expanded our knowledge) - Kant refers to as the "mathematically sublime"


practically sublime: self-preservation instinct contradicted by an object of feeling. (a power that can determine our own condition) - Kant refers to as "the sublimity of power" or "dynamically sublime"


self preservation instinct is because of the cognitive instinct in relationship to our (physical) external environment. Warning is given to self preservation in the form of pain or furthur, fear.