Lyndsey Stonebridge

In a programme first broadcast in 2017, Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt. She developed many of her ideas in response to the rise of totalitarianism in the C20th, partly informed by her own experience as a Jew in Nazi Germany before her escape to France and then America. She wanted to understand how politics had taken such a disastrous turn and, drawing on ideas of Greek philosophers as well as her peers, what might be done to create a better political life. Often unsettling, she wrote of 'the banality of evil' when covering the trial of Eichmann, one of the organisers of the Holocaust.WithLyndsey Stonebridge Professor of Modern Literature and History at the University of East AngliaFrisbee Sheffield Lecturer in Philosophy at Girton College, University of CambridgeandRobert Eaglestone Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought at Royal Holloway, University LondonProducer: Simon Tillotson.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a political thinker, and writer, discuss the intersections of love, politics, and violence, channeling Hannah Arendt. They explore loneliness's impact on democracy, differentiate facts from truth, and power from violence. The conversation offers insightful wisdom for navigating today's political climate and emphasizes the importance of generative shared deliberations.

In this engaging discussion, Lyndsey Stonebridge, an expert on Hannah Arendt, dives into Arendt’s life as an émigré and its impact on her philosophy. They explore her relationship with Martin Heidegger and how it influenced her thinking. The conversation also delves into Arendt's critiques of totalitarianism, her perspectives on civil rights exemplified by the Little Rock Nine, and the complexities surrounding her legacy as a female philosopher. Stonebridge provides rich insights that illuminate Arendt's enduring significance in the realm of political thought.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a Professor of Humanities and Human Rights at the University of Birmingham, explores the unsettling echoes of Hannah Arendt's work in today’s political climate. She delves into Arendt’s insights on totalitarianism, connecting them to contemporary figures like Trump. The conversation touches on the loneliness of false belonging and the impact of social media. Stonebridge emphasizes the power of thought and the importance of love, resilience, and curiosity as tools for navigating societal challenges.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a professor of humanities and human rights at the University of Birmingham, dives into the insightful worlds of Hannah Arendt, especially her thoughts on loneliness and totalitarianism. They explore how isolation can make societies more susceptible to authoritarianism. Stonebridge highlights the 'banality of evil,' revealing how everyday actions can normalize harmful behavior. The conversation also touches on the impact of modern consumer culture on moral responsibility and the significance of collective action in fostering human connection.