"The Banality of Evil"

Paper Summary:

This paper explores Hannah Arendt's theory which she called "the banality of evil." Arendt's hypothesis is critiqued and studied through the example of Adolf Eichmann, a figure responsible for orchestrating the Nazi Holocaust. A disturbing facet of Arendt's argument is based on the belief that Adolf Eichmann lacked intrinsically evil psychological makeup. It is debated in this paper whether a human being could willingly devise a scheme that was the most sadistic and systematic killing in world history. A brief portion of the paper examines common instances where the 'banality of evil' could excuse wrongdoing.

From the Paper:

"The term 'banality of evil' can be explained in a variety of ways. Literally, the word 'banality' translates as "dullness". The word evil can be defined as "something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity" . On the surface, a basic analysis of the phrase implies that sadistic behavior does not always have a starting point. Arendt's use of this phrase offers an alternative explanation to our traditional perceptions of evil. She refutes the notion that an ulterior motive must exist to commit sinister acts such as the Holocaust. In Eichmann's example, this would imply that he was not motivated by Anti-Semitism or inner-resentment towards any race. Instead, Arendt proposes that some individuals' capacity for evil derives from their superficial character. Their superficiality dulls their ability to make informed and moral decisions."

More papers on "The Banality of Evil":

• Analytical Essay # 3335 : "The Banality of Evil"
• Research Paper # 66881 : "Karl Adolf Eichmann: The Banality of Evil"
• Book Review # 100931 : "Psychology of the Holocaust"

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