Now, more than dare to know, we ought to dare to be, dare to become, dare to fight evil, dare to overcome negativity, dare to affirm life.
Kant’s “Answer to the Question: ‘What is Enlightenment?’” (1784) is one of his most accessible and widely celebrated essays, written as a response to the question posed by the Berlinische Monatsschrift, a prominent German journal of the time. In this essay, Kant offers a succinct definition of Enlightenment and explores its implications for individual freedom, society, and the role of authority. This work has since become a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought and continues to be relevant in discussions about freedom, autonomy, and the progress of human society.
Key Context
1. Historical Background:
• The Enlightenment, or the “Age of Reason,” was a European intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, science, and individual autonomy over tradition, superstition, and authority.
• Kant wrote this essay in the context of debates about freedom of thought, the role of the Church and monarchy, and the potential for human progress.
2. Kant’s Role:
• Kant’s essay became one of the defining articulations of the Enlightenment ethos, emphasizing autonomy and the use of reason as central to human freedom and societal development.
What Is Enlightenment? Kant’s Definition
Kant begins the essay with a clear and concise definition:
“Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity.”
• Immaturity:
• Kant defines immaturity as the inability to use one’s reason without the guidance of another. This immaturity is “self-imposed” because it results not from a lack of intellect but from a lack of courage and determination to think independently.
• Enlightenment as an Act of Courage:
• Kant calls on individuals to have the courage to use their own understanding (Latin: Sapere aude! or “Dare to know!”), which he describes as the motto of the Enlightenment.
Key Themes in the Essay
1. Autonomy and the Use of Reason
• Kant emphasizes the importance of autonomy, the capacity to think and act according to one’s own reason rather than relying on external authority or tradition.
• Enlightenment requires individuals to take responsibility for their intellectual development and avoid passively accepting the dictates of others (e.g., religious institutions, governments).
2. Obstacles to Enlightenment
• Kant identifies two main reasons why people remain in a state of immaturity:
1. Laziness: It is easier to follow others than to think for oneself.
2. Cowardice: Fear of consequences (e.g., social, political, or religious penalties) discourages people from exercising their reason.
• External authorities (e.g., monarchs, clergy) exploit this immaturity to maintain control, promoting dependence and discouraging critical thinking.
3. Public and Private Use of Reason
• Kant makes an important distinction between:
• Public use of reason: The unrestricted ability of individuals to express their thoughts and ideas openly in public discourse. Kant argues this is essential for Enlightenment.
• Private use of reason: The use of reason within specific roles or institutions where obedience to rules is necessary (e.g., a soldier following orders, a citizen paying taxes). While private reason may be limited, this does not inhibit public debate and critique.
• Example: A clergyman may follow church doctrine in his official capacity (private reason) but should be free to critique religious dogma in public as a scholar (public reason).
4. The Role of Freedom
• Kant argues that freedom of thought and expression is a precondition for Enlightenment. Without it, individuals cannot challenge established norms or advance human progress.
• He acknowledges that rulers might fear the consequences of granting such freedom but insists that fostering Enlightenment ultimately benefits society by creating better citizens and stronger institutions.
5. Gradual Progress
• Enlightenment is not an instant transformation but a gradual process that requires time, effort, and societal support.
• Kant is optimistic about humanity’s capacity for progress, provided individuals and institutions embrace the principles of reason and freedom.
Implications of Kant’s Argument
1. Individual Responsibility:
• Kant emphasizes that Enlightenment begins with the individual. Each person must have the courage to question authority and think for themselves.
2. Societal Transformation:
• Enlightenment requires changes at the societal level, including:
• Freedom of speech and expression.
• Institutional reforms to encourage critical thinking and public debate.
• Education that promotes autonomy and rational inquiry.
3. Tension Between Freedom and Authority:
• Kant acknowledges the need for a balance between obedience to legitimate authority and the freedom to critique and improve it. This balance ensures societal stability while fostering progress.
4. Universal Relevance:
• Kant’s message transcends his historical moment, serving as a timeless call for intellectual and moral autonomy. His ideas remain central to debates about democracy, freedom of thought, and the role of education.
Significance of the Essay
1. A Manifesto for the Enlightenment:
• Kant’s essay encapsulates the spirit of the Enlightenment, advocating for reason, autonomy, and progress. It serves as a rallying cry for those seeking to challenge oppressive systems and embrace intellectual freedom.
2. Foundational for Modern Thought:
• The essay influenced subsequent debates on freedom, democracy, and education and helped lay the groundwork for modern liberal thought.
3. Ongoing Relevance:
• Kant’s critique of intellectual laziness and dependence on authority resonates in contemporary discussions about critical thinking, freedom of speech, and the responsibilities of individuals in democratic societies.
Conclusion
Kant’s “What is Enlightenment?” is a succinct and powerful articulation of the Enlightenment’s core values: reason, autonomy, and freedom. By urging individuals to take responsibility for their intellectual growth and by advocating for the free use of reason in public discourse, Kant provides a framework for personal and societal progress. The essay’s enduring relevance lies in its challenge to complacency and its call to “dare to know,” inspiring generations to embrace the transformative power of critical thinking and reason.
