Similarities Between Kant And The Age Of Enlightenment

Much has changed ever since Kant’s views during the eighteenth century. According to Kant, “Enlightenment is the human being’s emergence from his self-incurred minority.” (17) Minority is the inability of individuals to use reason independently of others. The concept of minority is an important part of Kant’s argument of what prevents society from achieving enlightenment. During Kant’s time, the foundations of enlightenment were developing as society was slowly becoming aware of this once perceived “radical” idea.

Prior to its beginnings, the idea of enlightenment was considered a threat to society. The majority of people in society were accustomed to adhering to established ideas. Kant describes this phenomenon as following “formulas” (17). Formulas are the central principles set up by a society that are generally
This process may be slow, depending on whether the ones in power of society allow the spread of ideas. For example, a totalitarian dictatorship will most likely censor the press, therefore maintaining control without revolt. Individuals raised in this type of environment accept their situation. It is engrained into their heads since birth, so they don’t recognize their plight due to lack of knowledge. Even those who harbor resentment toward the rules of society avoid speaking out, for fear of being caught and punished. This brings us to the “private use” and “public use” (Kant 18, 19) of reason. The private use of reason requires individuals to obey the rules set forth by society while in a “civil post or office” (Kant 18). They are restricted from exercising their own freedom of beliefs. When they leave the offices, they are allowed the public use of reason, which is having unrestricted freedom to make use of their own reason. Only when the public use of reason is allowed will the ideology of enlightenment come to