"Standing behind your phrase": Arendt and Jaspers on the (post-)metaphysics of evil. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dege, Carmen Lea
• Is Part Of: European journal of political theory. Volume 22:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Arendt -- Jaspers -- evil -- post-metaphysical thinking -- political ontology -- Eichmann -- plurality -- crimes against humanity -- sovereignty; Political science -- Periodicals; Political science -- Europe -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1177/14748851211052809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-8851

Abstract

This article turns to Hannah Arendt's Eichmann in Jerusalem in order to illustrate the difficulties involved in approaching the (formerly) metaphysical concept of evil as a secular phenomenon. It asks how the advocate of plurality, natality and forgiveness could also vouch for the death sentence of Eichmann based on a rhetoric of retribution and revenge. It then shows that Arendt's surprisingly consistent view of evil is based on a quasi-ontological understanding of the human condition that allowed her to negate Eichmann's humanity. Rather than simply unmasking a metaphysical account in disguise, however, the article develops an alternative perspective that emerges from the conversation between Arendt and Jaspers. It argues that Jaspers's interpretation of Kant offers a way to defend the idea of secular evil and judge Eichmann on the basis of his thoughtlessness.