Kant, Identity, Aufklärung Cover Image

Кант, идентитет и Aufklärung
Kant, Identity, Aufklärung

Author(s): Mark Losoncz
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Центар за хуманистичке науке »Синтезис«
Keywords: Kant; Aufklärung; enlightenment; autonomy; voice; letter; identity; intersubjectivity

Summary/Abstract: How is the identity constituted through writing? The paper discusses the idea of identity in a well-known text of Kant: Was ist Aufklärung? The author poses new questions concerning the relation between enlightenment, identity and writing. Following Kant’s text, this hermeneutical project reveals some very important points which could change the reception of the Kantian idea of enlightenment. Kant set himself the task to define the notion of Aufklärung and the social status of writing plays a significant role in this enterprise. The author uses the theory of Leo Strauss who wrote about the essential connection between the art of writing, persecution and premodern philosophy. For Kant, being a writer is a conditio sine qua non for the subject of enlightenment. The writer’s function is examined in the context of intersubjectivity. The author analyses the autonomy of voice and the autonomy of writing from the perspective of social identity. The difference of the private and the public sphere is of great importance. The role of the communication within the community is strongly emphasized. There is a certain tension in the enlightened society which is based on the conflict of the heterogeneity of the citizens and the singularity of the Monarch.

  • Issue Year: I/2009
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 83-94
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Serbian