aufgeklärt

Aufgeklärt is a German term that translates to "enlightened" or "cleared up." It is most commonly associated with the Enlightenment, a European intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in the 18th century. The Enlightenment championed reason, individualism, and skepticism over tradition and unquestioned authority. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant, Voltaire, and John Locke are key figures of this era, advocating for concepts such as natural rights, separation of church and state, and the importance of empirical evidence.

The term "aufgeklärt" also has a more general meaning of having been informed or having had a misunderstanding resolved. For instance, if someone is given information that clarifies a confusing situation, they could be described as "aufgeklärt." In a legal context, "aufgeklärt" can mean that a crime has been solved and the perpetrator identified. This usage highlights the idea of bringing something out of darkness or mystery into the light of understanding. The core concept across these uses is a movement from ignorance or confusion towards knowledge and clarity.