The Banality of Evil [Hardcover]

Bernard J. Bergen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998 | ISBN-10: 0847692094 | ISBN-13: 978-0847692095

This highly original book is the first to explore the political and philosophical consequences of Hannah Arendt's concept of 'the banality of evil,' a term she used to describe Adolph Eichmann, architect of the Nazi 'final solution.' According to Bernard J. Bergen, the questions that preoccupied Arendt were the meaning and significance of the Nazi genocide to our modern times. As Bergen describes Arendt's struggle to understand 'the banality of evil,' he shows how Arendt redefined the meaning of our most treasured political concepts and principles_freedom, society, identity, truth, equality, and reason_in light of the horrific events of the Holocaust. Arendt concluded that the banality of evil results from the failure of human beings to fully experience our common human characteristics_thought, will, and judgment_and that the exercise and expression of these attributes is the only chance we have to prevent a recurrence of the kind of terrible evil perpetrated by the Nazis.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bernard Bergen has written a thoughtful, clear inquiry into the key concepts and interpretations that make up Hannah Arendt's theory of totalitarianism. He approaches her Eichmann in Jerusalem with rare balance of judgment and sensitivity. (Elisabeth Young-Bruehl )

The Banality of Evil ...is interesting exploration of Arendt's thought. ...it is worth considering seriously. (Studies In Contemporary Jewry )

[Bergen] offers a fresh interpretation of the controversial phrase 'the banality of evil.' (Choice )

[Bergen] offers a fresh interpretation of the controversial phrase 'the banality of evil.''''' (Choice )

About the Author

Bernard J. Bergen is professor emeritus of psychiatry and sociology at the Darmouth Medical School and Dartmouth College. Among his books is Illumination of Darkness: Freud and the Social Bond.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847692094
• ISBN-13: 978-0847692095
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,975,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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