The UnMute Podcast
Episode 68: Benjamin Brewer on Hannah Arendt & Forgiveness
Sep 1, 2023
Philosopher Benjamin Brewer joins Myisha Cherry to discuss Hannah Arendt's perspectives on forgiveness, repair, and revenge. They also explore unintended consequences, forgiveness in different domains of life, and the emotional weight of studying history. The conversation touches on Hannah Arendt's life, her move to New York, and her career as a writer and teacher. They also chat about a movie and its director, and provide language learning tips.
47:27
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Quick takeaways
- Forgiveness interrupts the cycle of revenge, allowing for new relations and the expression of freedom in the public realm.
- Hannah Arendt believes that forgiveness is necessary for political life, acknowledging the finite nature of human beings and the potential for unforeseeable consequences in our actions.
Deep dives
Hannah Arendt's Definition of Forgiveness
Hannah Arendt's definition of forgiveness is a radical political act that recognizes the forgiven party as more than their past deed, freeing them from being solely defined by its consequences. Forgiveness interrupts the cyclical chain reaction of revenge and opens up a future that is not determined by the past. It is a spontaneous and unexpected reaction that allows for new relations and the expression of freedom in the public realm.
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