Responsibility and the banality of evil
Read Eichmann in Jerusalem by separating Arendt’s argument, trial evidence and subsequent historical research.
An original introduction. This guide accompanies the work; it is neither the complete text nor a translation.
Start with the trial
Identify the charges, alleged acts and the reporter’s position. The book combines reporting with interpretation; a famous phrase captures neither the evidence nor the complete record.
Avoid a misunderstanding
The banality of evil does not make crime ordinary in the sense of acceptable and does not excuse its perpetrator. Arendt examines how clichés and obedience can accompany criminal responsibility.
Keep the controversy visible
Compare her portrayal with historical research on Eichmann’s antisemitic convictions. Reading a thinker seriously includes acknowledging factual limits in her analysis.
Thinking about responsibility requires judging actions and attending to evidence that challenges our categories.
Your turn to think.
- How do you distinguish explaining from excusing?
- What information would make you revise your judgment?
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