Was The Enlightenment Really The Age of Reason Essay

â€Å"Reason does not work instinctively, but requires trial, practice, and instruction in order to gradually progress from one level of insight to another† Immanuel Kant. Kant’s opinion of reason is that it is a force, which is ever-evolving and constantly building on previous insights. The Enlightenment is a historical period referring to the intellectual movement that swept across Europe in the 18th century. To tackle this question, I will be looking at two texts. The essays, ‘An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment’ by Immanuel Kant, an 18th century philosopher, and ‘What is Enlightenment’ by Michel Foucault, a 20th century philosopher. The texts show that the Enlightenment was the age of reason because it allowed individuals to†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Have courage to make use of your own understanding† is the motto of enlightenment. Kant conveys, that for an individual to try and break free from minority is d ifficult. This is because he has grown ever so fond of the ways in which he has been living. They have become the â€Å"ball and chain of an everlasting minority.† In terms of history this refers to the period of time before the arrival of the Enlightenment, where people were told what it was, they were to believe by institutions such as the church. When an individual, throws off this minority often, it is only an â€Å"uncertain leap over even the narrowest ditch.† However, Kant does state that a few have succeeded by the â€Å"cultivation of their spirit, in extricating themselves from the minority yet walking confidently†. Throughout history we can see from the examples of Plato and Aristotle where this is the case. And what is to become of the rest of society? Kant states that the public can only achieve enlightenment slowly because of the implanted prejudices that are so harmful. Even a revolution that causes tyranny to fall will never bring about true reform in an individual’s thinking; instead new prejudices will take the place of old ones to harness these unthinking individuals. How then, can enlightenment be reached? Kant’s reply is that, â€Å"†¦Nothing is required but freedom.† This is the freedom to use reason in all public matters. However, in saying this, Kant makes a clearShow MoreRelatedThe Age Of Enlightenment Ideas Lead To Hypocrisy In Candide By Voltaire1592 Words   |  7 Pages Did Age of Enlightenment ideas lead to hypocrisy in Candide? The â€Å"Age of Reason†, during Europe was a time in history where people started to confide in eachother and themselves when it came to reason and logic; and it was a period when creative ability came to light and it was encouraged. This paper will examine Voltaire s Candide and the way Voltaire mocks religion and how this outlines Enlightenment thought. 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