Kant s Theory On Personal Enlightenment - 1196 Words

Tariq Al-Bakri Dahlia Guzman PHI1103.006 12/04/2015 Kant’s theory on personal enlightenment Immanuel Kant is definitely one of the most pivotal thinkers in the history of philosophy. His enlightenment theory has become well-known throughout the world and at the same time it immortalized the name of this great German philosopher. Kant defined enlightenment as ability of man to use his own understanding without guidance from another and hence to escape from his self-imposed immaturity. According to the philosopher, the cause to this state is the man himself, as he experiences it not because of his poor intelligence. He believed that such human traits as laziness, cowardice and lack of courage substantially hinder enlightenment and make individuals pass the burden of comprehension to others. Instead of using their own minds people choose to entrust thinking to others. It seems to them as an easier and more comfortable way, which is not surprising since the self-established guardians have been frightening people with prospective mistakes and difficulties. Therefore Kant believe d that one can achieve enlightenment by having enough courage to cultivate his own mind and overcome the fright of understanding which was imposed on him and became a part of his nature (Kant 1). Kant carefully explores the subject of freedom and its limitations. He states that freedom to use reason publicly is a necessary condition for the achievement of enlightenment. He also makes a clear distinctionShow MoreRelatedThe Enlightenment By Thomas Paine And John Locke1709 Words   |  7 PagesFinal Paper: The Enlightenment The eighteenth century embraced the beginning of an opinionated movement for new thinking about once unquestioned truths and actions. 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