What is the central theme of Immanuel Kant's essay "What is Enlightenment?"
A. The value of ancient traditions
B. The inevitability of monarchy
C. The importance of religious authority
D. The courage to think for oneself
Answer (2)
The central theme of Immanuel Kant's essay "What is Enlightenment?" is the importance of individual reasoning and the courage to think independently. Kant encourages people to free themselves from the constraints of authority and tradition, promoting intellectual freedom as essential for personal growth and enlightenment. Therefore, the chosen answer is D: The courage to think for oneself.
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The central theme of Immanuel Kant's essay "What is Enlightenment?" is "The courage to think for oneself."
Kant's essay, written in 1784, addresses the concept of enlightenment and what it means for individuals and society. According to Kant, enlightenment is the process by which individuals free themselves from their self-imposed immaturity. This immaturity is the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another. He argues that the courage to use one's own reason and think independently is the true essence of enlightenment.
Kant famously encapsulates this idea with the Latin phrase "Sapere aude," which means "Dare to know." This principle encourages individuals to challenge conventional beliefs and traditions by thinking critically and using reason. By advocating for autonomous thinking, Kant emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to gaining knowledge and understanding the world.
In summary, Kant's essay emphasizes the importance of intellectual autonomy and the courage to think for oneself, presenting this as a key component of individual and societal progress during the Age of Enlightenment.
