Socrates’ Truth vs. Kant’s Enlightenment

In general, Socrates would agree with Kant that enlightenment is furthered best outside of a civic position, but he would not contest that authority must be blindly followed while under its command. Socrates encourages questioning the majority’s decisions, while Kant states that in politically one must not argue and only obey. Both believe that reason and enlightenment must begin with private discussions but differ regarding behavior at public posts. While Socrates’ criterion for wisdom is pursuing truth regardless of position, he believes that it is easiest to seek out privately. Kant considers the government an important agency to influence the public to think more for themselves. Overall, although the specifics of each philosopher’s argument differ, each considers, “the unexamined life is not worth living for men” (Plato 39; 38a).