The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Episode 200: Kant/Mendelssohn/Foucault on Enlightenment (Part Two)
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Oct 15, 2018 Dive into the philosophical revelations about enlightenment, featuring Kant's emphasis on courage in knowledge, Mendelssohn's views on personal cultivation versus societal enlightenment, and Foucault's unique critique of modernity. The discussion navigates the delicate balance between individual freedom and social responsibility, reflecting on how personal insights shape a broader societal ethos. The importance of self-creation in the modern age and the ongoing process of self-critique is also explored, offering a thought-provoking journey into enlightenment's role today.
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Courage Defines Enlightenment
- Kant highlights that the lack of enlightenment stems from a lack of courage to use one's own understanding.
- Enlightenment requires bravery not just to think independently but to dare to know truthfully.
Balancing Cultivation and Enlightenment
- Mendelssohn distinguishes between cultivation, tied to social roles, and enlightenment, linked to freedom of thought.
- Society flourishes when cultivation and enlightenment advance in harmony respecting social conditions.
Limits on Freedom for Order
- Mendelssohn argues that not everyone should have equal access to free thinking to preserve social order.
- Unrestricted freedom can corrupt morals and destabilize society, reflecting an early skepticism toward democracy.
