As our age becomes more defined by artificial intelligence, Immanuel Kant’s ideas about enlightenment and reason feel especially resonant. This burgeoning significance incites important conversations regarding our comprehension of knowledge and agency. Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, defined enlightenment as “man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity.” He called on people to use their ability to think rationally. Through independent thought, Americans can be the real builders of their own destiny. As society grapples with the implications of AI, understanding Kant’s philosophy may provide essential insights into the challenges faced today.
Kant insisted that the free exercise of reason is the basis on which we can all oppose domination. He argued that humans have always possessed the capability for rational thought and that the enlightenment experience is about overcoming the laziness and cowardice that often lead to dependency on external authorities. In his view, “Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why so great a proportion of men … remain in lifelong immaturity, and why it is so easy for others to establish themselves as their guardians.” freepik.com This view is illuminating the debate around AI today. Consumers will always be willing to surrender their independence for increased convenience.
The 18th century was a time of radical change to social hierarchies, most famously and violently during the American and French Revolutions. These revolutions heralded the end of faith-based institutions and practices, paving the way for an era defined by reason. These quality-of-life improvements were the result of Kant’s Enlightenment vision taking hold, empowering citizens with the ability and information to make choices that benefit the whole. Today, as technology continues to advance, the challenge remains: how can society harness AI’s promise without eroding the very reasoning that underpins democratic principles?
Critics today would be right to echo Kant’s concern about surrendering our freedom. As philosopher Erich Fromm wrote, we are drawn to the “reassuring certainty of subordination. The growing reliance on AI systems raises concerns about the potential for a new form of intellectual dependency, where individuals may defer their critical thinking to algorithms and automated processes. This dependence would lead to a retreat into inchoate immaturity. It is a warning that Kant foresaw long ago.
Moreover, the profound reflection on thought itself reflects Joan Didion’s sentiment: “I write entirely to find out what I am thinking.” AI creates characters, writes scripts, tackles legal questions, and answers reporters’ queries in the time it takes you to blink. Consequently, writing and critical thinking may fall by the wayside. Whether for your own agency or for the progress of our society, articulating your thoughts is incredibly important. Unfortunately, our culture more broadly too often rewards efficiency at the expense of thoughtful deliberation, eroding this bedrock purpose.
Kant’s call to action, encapsulated in “Sapere aude” or “Have courage to use your own understanding,” remains as pertinent today as it was in his time. Helping people to reclaim their ability to think for themselves fosters autonomy and discernment. These characteristics are fundamental to managing the dual opportunities and challenges created by AI technologies. The challenge lies in fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to engage with AI tools while maintaining their intellectual sovereignty.
Kant’s thoughts provide much food for thought in our contemporary society. They allow us to navigate the competing benefits of AI’s efficiency and scalability with the need for nuanced human reasoning and discretion. Conversations surrounding AI’s role in our everyday life are rapidly progressing. By taking a step back to reflect on Enlightenment principles, we can better prepare ourselves to interact with technology in more thoughtful ways.