Kant's Era: Enlightenment, Society, and Revolution

The Historical Context of Immanuel Kant's Philosophy

This period of social inequality revealed new realities, with events like the American Revolution and the independence of the French Republic (which Kant supported). These events underscored two ethical and political ideals that trace Kant's Perpetual Peace: freedom, independence, and equality for all citizens.

Economic and Social Changes

In the economic field, there was an economic recovery and a population explosion. Countries like England and the Netherlands experienced an agricultural revolution due to advances in farming techniques and tools, ultimately leading to the Industrial Revolution at the end of the century. In Eastern Europe, feudalism persisted, with agriculture lagging.

The Age of Enlightenment

Culturally, we are in the so-called Age of Enlightenment, characterized by the development of the Illustration: a cultural movement of scientists and philosophers who sought to enlighten humanity by questioning tradition in all fields of knowledge. It began in England, but its peak was in France, with authors such as Hume and Locke in England, and Diderot, D'Alembert, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau in France.

One of the most important works of the Enlightenment was the drafting of the Encyclopedia, which enshrined universal knowledge and the secularization of thought, representing the main ideals of the Enlightenment. Kant would reflect these ideals in his work, *What is Enlightenment?* Ideals included confidence in human progress, reason, and natural religion freed from dogmas. This spirit permeated all aspects of knowledge: science, literature, art, and music. This mood was reflected by Frederick II at the University in Berlin.

The German Enlightenment

These new thoughts acquired significant importance in Kant's Prussia. The German Enlightenment was primarily based on an enlightened aristocracy and a relatively weak bourgeoisie. Culture was sponsored by the King, and philosophy was largely confined to universities, where Kant taught for over 40 years. Consequently, there was less social criticism than in England and France. It was generally accepted that the despotism of Frederick II was the best solution for Germany, as Kant himself would claim.

Religious Context: Deism

In the religious field, Pietism dominated (in which Kant was educated). Pietism defended individual religious experience, piety, and good works, along with tolerance, which fit well within the broader context. Thus, Kant favored a natural or rational religion known as Deism.