What is Kant’s Enlightenment? Rethinking the Enlightenment of Kant

DOI IR Open Access

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 「カントの啓蒙」とは何か —カント的啓蒙の再検討—

Search this article

Description

The purpose of this paper is to address Immanuel Kant’s notion of enlightenment and to analyze whether his thought remains relevant. As we know, understandings of the word “enlightenment” have differed through time. The controversy surrounded the concept of enlightenment exists since the 18th century (also known as the century of enlightenment). Due to its ambiguous nature, there is no consensus on the concept of enlightenment. In particular, recent research has focused on the diversity of enlightenment as a historical phenomenon. On the other hand, there has been a conspicuous movement to reevaluate and restructure the concept of enlightenment in recent years due to current political and social conditions. Kant has arguably significantly influenced discussions on the meaning of enlightenment. Kant’s definition of enlightenment is closely related to the concept of citizens (civility, Bürgerlichkeit/ Zivilcourage). Enlightenment is a condition of citizens and is an issue of human kinds to achieve the highest good. What Kant seeks through enlightenment is the construction of a universal republic based on the law of virtue. Furthermore, Kant argued that freedom is needed for enlightenment. Enlightenment is based on Kant’s moral philosophy. Human beings who are enlightened must have the ability to also become citizens. However, Kant did not fully trust human beings. He discouraged humans. The hope of human enlightenment nonetheless is possible and encompasses Kant’s moral philosophy, political philosophy, and global citizenship. Having an eye on others and dignity in humanity leads to the public use of reason, which leads to Kant’s ideal ethical republic. Humans as rational beings must face these goals. Instead of being a bystander, we have to act against the current injustices and intolerance. That is what Kant’s enlightenment demanded.

Journal

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top