Week 1: Kant's Enlightenment.

Question 1

What is Enlightenment according to Kant?

Answer 1

1. Emergence of humanity from self-imposed immaturity.
2. Ability to use one’s own understanding without guidance from others.

Question 2

What is the motto of Enlightenment?

Answer 2

Sapere aude/ Dare to know/ Have courage to use your own understanding.

Question 3

According to Kant, why do people gladly email immature?

Answer 3

Laziness and cowardice.

Question 4

How, according to Kant do guardians promote immaturity?

Answer 4

They make immaturity convenient by offering guidance and discouraging the use of one’s own understanding

Question 5

How does Kant suggest ones freedom from immaturity?

Answer 5

Cultivating their own minds and bring courageous enough to use their own understanding

Question 6

Distinguish between public and private use of reason

Answer 6

Public:Addressing the entire reading public
Private: Specific civil duties/ offices

Question 7

Why dos Kant argue for the freedom of public use of reason?

Answer 7

It is essential for the enlightenment of individuals while private use of reason may be restricted in certain civil affairs.

Question 8

Is it permissable for a society of clergymen to commit themselves by oath to unalterable/unchangeable doctrines?

Answer 8

According to Kant, No. It hinders enlightenment by violating human Nature’s destiny for advancement.

Question 9

What does Kant suggest about agreements made by one age restricting following generations’ knowledge?

Answer 9

They are unauthorised and criminal because they impede human progress and violate the rights of future generations.

Question 10

How does he suggest testing the validity of laws imposed on people?

Answer 10

Asking if the people would impose such laws on themselves. If yes, the law may be temporarily suitable but may need to be revised later.

Question 11

According to Kant, is it permissable for a society to impose a permanent religious constitution without public questioning?

Answer 11

No because such inpositio would hinder progress and violate sacred human rights.

Question 12

In which age did Kant live?

Answer 12

The age of enlightenment where there was gradual progress towards individuals’ use of own understanding.

Question 13

What does Kant suggest about rulers who allow their subjects to use reason freely.

Answer 13

They are praiseworthy and enlightened, even if they use it to criticise legislation.

Question 14

What is the relationship between civil freedom and intellectual freedom ?

Answer 14

Civil freedom sets barriers against intellectual freedom. A lesser degree of civil freedom allows full expansion of intellectual freedom leading to gradual societal progress.

Question 15

What about intellectual freedom is advantageous to a ruler?

Answer 15

A ruler who promotes intellectual freedom benefits both the society and government because it promotes dignity and societal progress.

Question 16

Distinguish between the self and the subject.

Answer 16

The self
1. Is conscious, thinks and perceives.
2. Reflects on its own beliefs, desires and experiences.
3. Is subject to unconscious motivation, beliefs and desires.
* internal identity

The subject
1. Is a broader concept of the self that expands beyond the self.
2. Influenced by internal factors like experiences and beliefs and external factors like societal norms and power dynamics.
3. Unlike the self, is not fixed and can change based on different influences and circumstances.

Question 17

What is philosophical anthropology?

Answer 17

-Philosophy branch exploring human nature and existence.
- Questions about essential human characteristics, nature of mind meaning of life, cultural impact on behaviour.

Question 18

What influenced Kant’s concept of enlightenment

Answer 18

German enlightenment Era.

Question 19

Sapere aude means…

Answer 19

Dare to think for yourself.
* encourages individuals to rely on their own understanding instead of blindly following authority.

Question 20

State and explain 5 critiques of Kant’s Enlightenment

Answer 20

1. Eurocentrism- his conception of enlightenment does not take into account non-western cultures.
2. Limited application to social structures: It doesn’t address systemic issues like social inequality and political oppression, making individual enlightenment inaccessible to marginalized groups.
3. Neglects social responsibility- focuses too much on individual autonomy which may lead to neglect of collective action. It should be committed to social justice and improvement of society as a whole.
4. Oversimplification of religion- doesn’t account for the relationship between reason and faith.
5. Gender Bias-reflects a masculine perspective and marginalized women’s experiences. Patriarchal structures and norms may limit the agency and autonomy of women.

Question 21

What were Kant’s exact words on the causes of immaturity?

Answer 21

” laziness and coward is all the reasons why such a large proportion of men… nevertheless gladly remain immature for life. If I have a book to understanding in place of me, a spiritual advisor to have a conscience for me and a doctor to judge my diet for me, and so on, I need not make any efforts at all”

Question 22

Identify at least 5 keywords for this Reading (Kant)

Answer 22

Enlightenment, immaturity, authorities, doctrines, human rights and intellectual freedom