Beantwortung Der Frage: Was Ist Aufklärung?

A philosophical treatise written in the late 18th century. This work addresses the concept of enlightenment and the journey of individuals toward intellectual maturity. Kant explores the ideas of autonomy, reason, and the critical importance of freedom in the pursuit of knowledge, positioning enlightenment as a collective emergence from self-imposed immaturity. In this essay, Kant argues that enlightenment is fundamentally about the ability of individuals to think for themselves without the guidance of others. He critiques societal structures that foster intellectual dependency and calls for the courage to use one’s understanding. He emphasizes that true enlightenment requires freedom, particularly the liberty to engage in public discourse and critique doctrines. Furthermore, Kant distinguishes between public and private use of reason, indicating that while societal roles may impose restrictions on private reason, public reason must remain free for enlightenment to flourish. Ultimately, he suggests that society is on the cusp of enlightenment, though it has yet to fully realize it, and advocates for a gradual process of intellectual emancipation.