Enlightenment as perfection, perfection as enlightenment? Kant on thinking for oneself and perfecting oneself. Issue 2 (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baumann, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of philosophy of education. Volume 56:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: Enlightenment -- Kant -- perfection; Education -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Education -- Great Britain -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 370.1
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-9752.12651
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-8249

Abstract

Abstract: Kant's views about the nature and value of enlightenment have been discussed very much since 1784, and without ever losing any of their relevance and importance. I will discuss a topic that has not been discussed quite that extensively: Kant's conception of enlightenment as it relates to the idea of perfection ( Vollkommenheit ) in particular. Is the project of enlightenment also a project of perfection (and vice versa), and if yes, in what sense and to what degree? My aim is twofold here: not just to present a sketch of Kant's views but also to do so in the light of contemporary, systematic questions and ideas concerning the idea of perfection.