What is Enlightenment - Research Paper Example

Right or wrong, an individual’s thoughts should be explored to the fullest under this theory.  These views tend to lean toward anarchy.  Montesquieu feels that neither anarchy nor a strict government encourages enlightenment, asking if enlightenment would be “better in mediums than extremes?“[1]  Montesquieu expresses a government with a ruler, but not a tyrant, encourages enlightenment.[2]  Rousseau feels that enlightenment can be found in a good just government.

[3]   Enlightenment is true expression and thought which comes when an individual thinks and acts on an inner morality, not just what the masses feel or express.  Rousseau wrote this view in 1762, way before the experiment called democracy had become successful.  If Rousseau would have lived he would have seen this prediction about enlightenment come true through democratic countries today.  Enlightenment can be achieved in the United States, for example without uprising against the government.

  However, Kant was correct in asserting “laziness and cowardice” keep most individuals from thinking for themselves.[4]  Thus even in the United States, Americans are not enlightened by choice instead of governmental, societal, or military factors.  This proves enlightenment means the freedom to think and act for oneself despite outside factors.  Individuals that achieve enlightenment must work towards that enlightenment no matter the circumstances.

  Enlightenment is unique to each individual.