Abstract
Kant’s views about the nature and value of enlightenment have
been discussed very much since 1784, and without ever losing
any of their relevance and importance. I will discuss a topic
that has not been discussed quite that extensively: Kant’s conception
of enlightenment as it relates to the idea of perfection
(Vollkommenheit) in particular. Is the project of enlightenment
also a project of perfection (and vice versa), and if yes, in what
sense and to what degree? My aim is twofold here: not just to
present a sketch of Kant’s views but also to do so in the light of
contemporary, systematic questions and ideas concerning the
idea of perfection.