Kant's Philosophy: Freedom, Enlightenment, and the State

Introduction

This text discusses a society where everything is geared towards living within a state. We don't have a welfare state, but rather the imperative to be free, and for citizens to be free.

Part 1

1. Leaving the Minority

This is what we have to achieve: to think for ourselves and attain moral autonomy.

2. Causes of the Minority

One cause is oneself; the fault is one's own – self-blame. Another cause is laziness and cowardice.

3. Danger of the Minority

The danger lies with the guardians (State, Church) because people are afraid to leave their tutelage. The less you know, the easier it is to control people (by instilling fear).

4. Obligation and Liberty

These must be reconciled at their midpoint so that everything goes well. This is why Kant differentiates between the public use of reason and the private use of reason. In the private use, freedom would be limited by obligation. Instead, in the public use, one is completely free. We must not stop thinking for ourselves; this should be further developed by the idea of progress. Those who do not want us to think for ourselves are the State and the Church.

Part 2

1. The Illustrated Epoch

Kant's epoch is the Enlightenment of the 18th century. It has been a good century; there has been progress. However, society has not yet reached what Kant proposes (no compulsion, moral autonomy, freedom, etc.). The epoch that he proposed would be called an enlightened age. In the 18th century, despite progress, we have not gotten to where he wants.

2. Frederick II

Prussia became a global power. Frederick II is the best representative of the Renaissance in Europe because he has not mandated anything, not a single law, about morality or religion. Kant criticizes the message of tolerance because that is not enough for states. That's why he likes Frederick, because he has moral and religious freedom.

3. Paradox of the Enlightenment

How can I be free but also obey laws beneficial to society? Here, he speaks of public and private use. He also speaks of progress in the individual's freedom to act. And the state has to legislate. We must reconcile the legislation with my freedom. In the realm of the good, society is only going to value dignity. I understand that society, in all public and private use, unites freedom with duty. That's the enlightened age. Frederick II's death led to a minister cutting and even censoring Kant's freedom on some religious issues.