EURO ST 10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 71: Sapere Aude, Deontological Ethics, Bourgeoisie
Document Summary
Opera in a time of transition (rise of the bourgeoisie) From minor status, from lacking a voice. Giving ourselves the law; not being determined by others or non-rational influences; recall kant"s deontological ethics. We"re not in an enlightened age but in an age of enlightenment . That is, we are not (or might never) be fully enlightened, but that"s not the point. It"s important that we (kant"s and frederick the great"s prussia) have set up institutions that make greater enlightenment possible. People engage in public debate over issues. It"s a machine that needs to run smoothly. But it can be improved by public exchanges of ideas. Literal and virtual spaces of exchange ( the reading public ) Argue as much as you want, but obey . As a citizen/scholar/rational being, i can engage freely in public debate on any issue. But as a functionary in society, i need to serve my function and do my job.
