In Cartesian ethics freedom is, in a positive sense, the principle of moral action. It concerns man’s capacity for self-determiation and of being able to use his own reason. This implies that happiness and generosity depend exclusively on man and do not require the divine aid of Providence. This formulation of Cartesian freedom is a precursor of the Kantian slogan: Sapere Aude! Have the courage of using your own understanding which is the Illustration’s catchword.