What is Enlightenment?

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Modern, Political
Cover of the book What is Enlightenment? by Samuel Fleischacker, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Samuel Fleischacker ISBN: 9781135091576
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Samuel Fleischacker
ISBN: 9781135091576
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 11, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

"Have the courage to use your own understanding! - that is the motto of enlightenment." - Immanuel Kant

The Enlightenment is one of the most important and contested periods in the history of philosophy. The problems it addressed, such as the proper extent of individual freedom and the challenging of tradition, resonate as much today as when they were first debated. Of all philosophers, it is arguably Kant who took such questions most seriously, addressing them above all in his celebrated short essay, An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?

In this engaging and lucid book, Samuel Fleischacker first explains and assesses Kant’s philosophy of Enlightenment. He then considers critics of Kant’s views - from Burke and Hegel to Horkheimer and Adorno - and figures he regards as having extended Kant’s notion of enlightenment, such as Feuerbach, Marx, Habermas, Foucault, and Rawls.

Throughout, he demonstrates how Kant holds two distinct theories of enlightenment. On the one hand, Kant proposes a ‘minimal’ view, where to be enlightened is simply to engage in critical public discussion, allowing diversity of opinion to flourish. On the other, he argues that Kant elsewhere calls for a ‘maximal’ view of enlightenment, where, for example, an enlightened person cannot believe in a traditional religion. With great skill Fleischacker shows how these two views are taken in a multitude of directions by both critics and advocates of Kant’s philosophy.

Arguing that Kant’s minimal enlightenment is a precondition for a healthy proliferation of cultures, religious faiths and political movements, What is Enlightenment? is a fascinating introduction to a key aspect of Kant’s thought and a compelling analysis of philosophical thinking about the Enlightenment. Including helpful chapter summaries and guides to further reading, it is ideal for anyone studying Kant or the philosophy of the Enlightenment, as well as those in related disciplines such as politics, history and religious studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Have the courage to use your own understanding! - that is the motto of enlightenment." - Immanuel Kant

The Enlightenment is one of the most important and contested periods in the history of philosophy. The problems it addressed, such as the proper extent of individual freedom and the challenging of tradition, resonate as much today as when they were first debated. Of all philosophers, it is arguably Kant who took such questions most seriously, addressing them above all in his celebrated short essay, An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?

In this engaging and lucid book, Samuel Fleischacker first explains and assesses Kant’s philosophy of Enlightenment. He then considers critics of Kant’s views - from Burke and Hegel to Horkheimer and Adorno - and figures he regards as having extended Kant’s notion of enlightenment, such as Feuerbach, Marx, Habermas, Foucault, and Rawls.

Throughout, he demonstrates how Kant holds two distinct theories of enlightenment. On the one hand, Kant proposes a ‘minimal’ view, where to be enlightened is simply to engage in critical public discussion, allowing diversity of opinion to flourish. On the other, he argues that Kant elsewhere calls for a ‘maximal’ view of enlightenment, where, for example, an enlightened person cannot believe in a traditional religion. With great skill Fleischacker shows how these two views are taken in a multitude of directions by both critics and advocates of Kant’s philosophy.

Arguing that Kant’s minimal enlightenment is a precondition for a healthy proliferation of cultures, religious faiths and political movements, What is Enlightenment? is a fascinating introduction to a key aspect of Kant’s thought and a compelling analysis of philosophical thinking about the Enlightenment. Including helpful chapter summaries and guides to further reading, it is ideal for anyone studying Kant or the philosophy of the Enlightenment, as well as those in related disciplines such as politics, history and religious studies.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The General Theory of Economic Evolution by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Theophile Gautier, Orator to the Artists by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Intelligence in the Cold War: What Difference did it Make? by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Food Systems Failure by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Cosmopolitanism and the Age of School Reform by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Market Orientation by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book African American Economic Development and Small Business Ownership by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Foundations of Islamic Governance by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book The Growth Strategies of Hotel Chains by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Teaching Feminist Activism by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Managing Sport by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Talleyrand by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book The Navy and the Slave Trade by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Chinese Business and the Asian Crisis by Samuel Fleischacker
Cover of the book Women Genre and Circumstance by Samuel Fleischacker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy