Immanuel Kant Analysis: The Enlightenment Era

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Pages: 6
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Sunli Lin
HIS113H
12/03/15
Enlightenment
Enlightenment refers to an intellectual movement that occurred in Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The movement advocated for individualism and the use of logic, as opposed to the traditional way of thinking. Notably, the Enlightenment Era played a significant role in conferring the sovereignty of the government to the people rather than the state, which advocated for a greater decency in society. In addition, the movement created a system of checks and balances that limits the power of democratic governments. Further, it led to the abolition of aristocracy and official state churches, thus enhancing the freedom of worship and secular governance. In essence, the Enlightenment Era sought …show more content…
For instance, Immanuel Kant, an influential German philosopher, encouraged people to try to understand issues facing them based on reason. Further, he believed that people should be free to voice their ideas without the fear of reprisal from the government (53). According to him, a person’s courage to apply his or her intelligence is the very essence of enlightenment. As what he wrote in What is Enlightenment, “Enlightenment is man’s leaving his self-caused immaturity” (52). He argued that the immaturity was caused by man’s lack of courage to use their intellect without other’s guidance. His argument consistently reflected his rationalist and scientific principles. He also points out that “The public use of a man’ reason must be free at all times, and this alone can bring enlightenment among men” (53). Kant understood that the majority of people were contented to be ruled by the institutions of society like the Church and the Monarchy, and unable to throw off the yoke of their immaturity due to a lack of resolution to be autonomous; thus, he advocated for the enlightenment and believed it was highly associated with freedom, which he meant “the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters (53). Consequently, Kant believed that the society must encourage the freedom of speech for it to become …show more content…
Notably, these leaders relied on science and technology to provide people with the means to improve their lives. Presently, the society relies mainly on science and technology to solve its problems and enhance progressive change. Indeed, innovative technologies such as modern means of traveling and communicating have been essential in the progress attained in the modern society. In addition, rational, social reforms are essential in increasing prosperity, enlightenment, harmony, and happiness in the society. In ancient Europe, the autocratic system of governance favored the elite while, at the same time, disregarding the plight of the poor. Fortunately, modern systems of governance provide equal opportunities for everyone. Moreover, the Enlightenment Era revolutionized global trade. Before this movement, European nations relied on the gold theory of wealth that argued that global wealth is limited to such valuables as gold. In this regard, European countries aimed at controlling trade so they can maintain their wealth. On the contrary, the Enlightenment Era promoted free trade as a means of enhancing prosperity in the society.
Clearly, the Enlightenment Era has had a huge influence on the modern society. Indeed, the movement resulted in such aspects of the modern society as democracy and the freedom of worship.
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