'Standing behind your phrase': Arendt and Jaspers on the (post-)metaphysics of evil
| Autor: | Carmen Lea Dege |
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| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | European Journal of Political Theory. 22:281-301 |
| ISSN: | 1741-2730 1474-8851 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/14748851211052809 |
| Popis: | This article turns to Hannah Arendt's Eichmann in Jerusalem in order to illustrate the difficulties involved in approaching the (formerly) metaphysical concept of evil as a secular phenomenon. It asks how the advocate of plurality, natality and forgiveness could also vouch for the death sentence of Eichmann based on a rhetoric of retribution and revenge. It then shows that Arendt's surprisingly consistent view of evil is based on a quasi-ontological understanding of the human condition that allowed her to negate Eichmann's humanity. Rather than simply unmasking a metaphysical account in disguise, however, the article develops an alternative perspective that emerges from the conversation between Arendt and Jaspers. It argues that Jaspers's interpretation of Kant offers a way to defend the idea of secular evil and judge Eichmann on the basis of his thoughtlessness. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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