ENLIGHTENMENT AS A CHANGE IN THE WAY OF THINKING: NATURAL LAW JUSTIFICATION IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF I. KANT

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . Kant's endeavour to comprehend the philosophical foundations and practical implications of the Enlightenment resulted in his formal concept of enlightenment as a change in the way of thinking. In developing this concept, Kant drew chiefly on his own interpretation of the philosophical tradition of natural law, while also drawing on the tradition of virtue ethics. The reconstruction of this concept enables the formation of how people tend to think and how to improve the way they think.

M e t h o d s . The study of Kant's philosophy demands the application of analytical and synthetic methods, encompassing his numerous distinctions while ensuring a comprehensive perspective. The employment of conceptual analysis has enabled the elucidation of the term "way of thinking", thereby unveiling its internal structure and logical connections. As Kant does not present a coherent concept of changing the way of thinking in a special study, the methods of rational reconstruction and modelling were used.

R e s u l t s . The article under scrutiny herein examines the Stoic sources of Kant's justification of the concept of enlightenment, namely natural law and the universal destiny of human beings. It is emphasised that Kant substantiated his own version of natural law, relying on and rethinking the traditions of the law of reason and the law of self-preservation within the framework of critical philosophy. The concept of natural law, as elucidated by Kant, is primarily characterised as an internal demand of reason. The article employs a rational reconstruction of Kant's original formal concept of enlightenment, modelling the stages of changing the way of thinking. This is achieved by taking into account both normative demands and internal obstacles. The employment of legal metaphors by Kant is elucidated, with the aim of demonstrating the correct utilisation of reason.

C o n c l u s i o n s . The Kantian concept analysed not only implies courage and the ability to think for oneself, but also a potentially endless process of improving one's way of thinking. This concept explains the correct use of reason when a person dares to abandon intellectual paternalism and begins to be consciously guided by the right maxims.