Kant’s ideas about enlightenment and its impact on the human mind are essential views. The philosopher’s thoughts on this topic are clearly expressed in his essay “What is Enlightment?” where the author tells about his view of how exactly the human mind is transformed under the influence of progressive thinking (Kant, 1784). This work aims to present what the difference is between an enlightened age and an age of enlightenment, why Kant contrasts the public use of reason to private reason, and which arguments are strong or weak.
An Enlightened Age and an Age of Enlightenment
When speaking on the topic of enlightenment, Kant gives two similar definitions – an enlightened age and an age of enlightenment. The philosopher notes that an enlightened age marks the final stage of the transition to a new form of thinking, while an age of enlightenment marks the time when transformations take place (Kant, 1784). In his opinion, at the time of writing the essay, society has not yet acquired the ability to apply the available skills of understanding the religious path of development without outside control (Kant, 1784). In other words, an enlightened age will represent the ultimate goal that reflects a person’s maturity and going beyond those boundaries that inhibit free thinking. Therefore, the philosopher focuses on the difference between the two definitions and highlights the main distinctive features.
Public Use of Reason vs. Private Reason
Kant’s reasoning on the public use of reason and private reason concerns the benefits that each form of thinking brings. In his essay, the author examines both positions and provides arguments in support of the approaches: the public practice is identified with freedom, and the private one is characterized by individuality (Kant, 1784). At the same time, while comparing these two principles, Kant favors the first concept of the public use of reason over the other one. He explains his decision by the fact that this principle allows people to reason without the fear of being criticized and misunderstood (Kant, 1784). In conditions of enlightenment, people’s ideas about the world around them, paths of development, and other fundamental aspects of existence may differ. However, it is the public use of reason that allows an individual to express a personal position and adhere to it freely. Therefore, Kant highlights this perspective as a potentially advanced form of reason.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Kant’s Argument
As the strengths of Kant’s argument, one can note the references to real-life examples that allow the philosopher’s ideas and concepts to be applied to everyday situations. When the thinker conveys the positions of a clergyman, taxpayer, and other members of society, the value of the proposed concepts is perceived clearly (Kant, 1784). Another strength is the variety of arguments since, when turning to one theory, the philosopher develops the topic comprehensively. At the same time, Kant’s argument may be characterized in terms of limitations. For instance, one of the weaknesses of his reasoning is the discussion of legislation as a key scope of applying reason, while numerous other industries could be mentioned (Kant, 1784). In addition, the philosopher develops the same subtopic for a very long time. If less attention was paid to the prospects of clergymen, officers, and other representatives of power, the story could be more succinct. However, all the ideas raised are communicated thoroughly, which adds value to the work done.
Conclusion
Kant’s ideas about enlightenment have become iconic and made it possible to study the philosopher’s views on distinctive aspects of reason, ways of development, and other phenomena. His comparison of an enlightened age with and an age of enlightenment and the opposition of the public use of reason to private reason help assess the thinker’s position and draw conclusions about the strength and weakness of individual arguments. Referring to real-life situations in his reasoning is an advantage of Kant’s theories, but a strong emphasis on legislation reduces the practical significance of his research.
Reference
Kant, I. (1784). What is enlightenment? Web.