SRF in­fo: Phi­lo­so­phy at its fi­nest

Is human dignity inviolable? What does it mean to act with real self-determination? And are we actually living in an age of enlightenment?

Key questions in the work of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Kant's critical way of thinking has had a profound impact on culture to this day: in politics, morality, religion and science. It provides ultimate guidance even in warlike conflicts, such as in Ukraine or the Middle East. On the other hand, the ideals of his enlightenment seem particularly threatened at the moment: by the crisis of democracy, emerging fanaticism, aggressive laziness of thought. Are Kant's insights ultimately just vague talk? Or is it not the only sensible path for a globalized world? And how can it be that one of the most progressive thinkers of his time still taught racist prejudices?

On the occasion of Kant's 300th birthday, Wolfram Eilenberger explores what courage to enlighten really means and why it is so important today in a conversation with the philosopher and Kant researcher Marcus Willaschek.