Philosophize This! Episode #136 ... Hannah Arendt - The Banality of Evil
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Oct 31, 2019 Dive into the intriguing critique of modernity through Hannah Arendt's lens. Explore how Enlightenment thought shaped identities and contributed to totalitarianism. Investigate the chilling concept of the 'banality of evil' and the role of political engagement in resisting it. Uncover the disconnection felt in post-World War I Germany that allowed such atrocities to unfold. It's a thought-provoking journey into the nature of power, identity, and the capacity for evil.
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Plato's Disillusionment
- Plato witnessed Socrates' death and left Athens, disillusioned with politics.
- This event shaped Plato's philosophy, turning inwards to the realm of ideas.
Contemplative vs. Active Life
- Hannah Arendt contrasts the contemplative life (Plato) with the active life (Socrates, Aristotle).
- The contemplative life emphasizes solitary thought, while the active life values public engagement.
Arendt's Shift to Political Theory
- Arendt believed philosophy's focus on contemplation failed to address real-world issues.
- She transitioned from philosophy to political theory, emphasizing action and public engagement.