Sapere aude
Sapere aude is a Latin phrase meaning “dare to know”. It became the motto of the Enlightenment, encouraging the use of reason and independent thought over tradition. The phrase, which originated with the Roman poet Horace, is often used to promote the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and the courage to form one’s own conclusions.
Origins and usage
- Ancient Rome: The phrase can be traced to the Roman poet Horace, who used it in his Epistles to mean “dare to be wise”.
- The Enlightenment: The philosopher Immanuel Kant made the phrase famous by using it as the motto for the Enlightenment in his 1784 essay, “Answering the Question: What Is Enlightenment?”.
- Modern philosophy: Philosophers like Michel Foucault have engaged with the concept, using it to explore the role of the individual in modern thought.
- Academic motto: Many universities and academic journals use sapere aude as a motto to emphasize a commitment to critical inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.
Core meaning
- Dare to know: The most direct translation, implying a call to actively seek knowledge and understanding.
- Dare to think for yourself: A central tenet of the phrase, encouraging people to use their own reason rather than accepting dogma or tradition.
- Embrace courage: It is an exhortation to have the courage to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and seek clarity even when it is uncomfortable.
AI responses may include mistakes.
[3] https://classicalassociation.org/sapere-aude-dare-to-know/
[4] https://www.myolaris.com/post/sapere-aude
[5] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sapere_aude
[6] https://www.quora.com/What-is-%E2%80%98sapere-aude%E2%80%99
[7] https://sapereaude.voices.wooster.edu/
[8] https://www.chapman.edu/academics/undergraduate/honors-program/sapere-aude.aspx
[10] https://philosophynow.org/issues/49/Sapere_Aude
[11] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapere%20aude