Arendt, Hannah

Hannah Arendt was a prominent 20th-century philosopher and political theorist known for analyzing ideas like power, authority, and totalitarianism. She explored how totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany, arise from the breakdown of traditional political institutions and individual moral responsibility. Arendt introduced concepts like the "banality of evil," suggesting that ordinary people can commit atrocious acts without malicious intent, simply by following orders or conforming. Her work emphasizes the importance of active participation in democracy, the necessity of judgment, and understanding the human condition within political life.