Thought and ideology

Eichmann and the banality of evil

Authors

  • Bárbara Deoti UFMG

Abstract

The following text intends to present a definition of the concept of the banality of evil within the work of the philosopher Hannah Arendt. Her reflection on evil establishes a connection between her queries on totalitarianism and on though. Thus, we will also talk about the political contingencies in which the phenomenon of the banality of evil appears and its relation to the act of thinking. Afterwards we will deal with David Cesarani’s critique of Arendt. He considers Eichmann to be an ideologically motivated subject. From this finding we will contrast ideology and though, guided by the concept of the banality of evil.

Published

2021-07-10