"What is Enlightenment?" Questions

1.What does Kant mean by “Freedom”

Kant uses the word freedom to represent the ability to use ones reason and mind without being persecuted for his or her logic. The text describes it as the "the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters."

2.Why does Kant feel “freedom” is so central to the Enlightenment?

Kant believes that the Enlightenment is the term to describe the time when man comes out of his immaturity. He considers immaturity to be man's inability to reason logically without the help of others, so freedom is central for it is the ability to use ones mind.

3.How do people become enlightened and what is the appropriate environment to accomplish this?

According to Kant, people become enlightened by forcing themselves to think and reason logically

despite societies nature against reason. People can become enlightened anywhere, as long as they were willing to do it.

4.How does Kant relate enlightenment and politics?

Kant believes that rulers and political figures have no right to think for their people, but according to the enlightenment, people can think for themselves.