Free Research, Enlightenment And Rational Criticism - Kant Enlightenment Thought

This thesis tries to systematically investigate kant's enlightenment thoughts and attempts to find its theoretical basis in his critique philoso- phy system. In kant's view, enlightenment is to establish human's sub- jectivity, and to give man courage to use their own reason, and to make human restore their rights, and finally to gain human's moral improve- ment. The thesis'preface briefly introduces the background and the source of kant's enlightenment thoughts. Its body is divided into four parts. The first chapter deals with how kant expatiated on the significance of the freedom of speech to enlightenment from human's self'incurred tute- lage viewpoint. In the second chapter, the thesis discusses what kind of system and what kind of method are requested by enlightenment, i. e. the relation between political liberties and enlightenment. The third chapter deals with the goals of enlightenment. The goals , to individuals, are the establishment of subj ectivity; to humankind, are perpetual peace and moral improvement. The forth chapter states how kant sought the theoretical foundation for human's freedom and morality. The conclusion part analyzes the dilemma of kant's enlightenment thoughts.