Explain why Kant believes that “Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-imposed nonage.” What is nonage?

Immanuel Kant, a prominent German philosopher, defined "Enlightenment" as man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage. Nonage, in this context, refers to a state of immaturity, dependence, or inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another.

Kant's statement implies that enlightenment is a process of maturing intellectually and morally, of becoming independent in thought and judgement. This process requires courage and effort, as it involves questioning and challenging established beliefs and authorities.

Kant believed that many people choose to remain in a state of nonage because it is comfortable and easy. They prefer to rely on others to make decisions and form opinions for them, rather than thinking for themselves. This is what Kant means by "self-imposed" nonage - it is not a condition that is forced upon individuals, but one that they willingly accept.

Enlightenment, for Kant, is the act of breaking free from this self-imposed nonage. It is about daring to think for oneself, to use one's own reason and understanding to navigate the world. This is why Kant famously defined enlightenment as "Sapere aude!" or "Dare to know!".

In summary, Kant believes that enlightenment is the process of emerging from a self-imposed state of intellectual and moral immaturity, and daring to use one's own understanding and reason.