Hannah Arendt

	Hannah Arendt
	;
Born	14 October 1906
Died	4 December 1975
Nationality	German-born; later American
Occupation	Political theorist; philosopher; writer
Known for	Political theory; analysis of totalitarianism
Notable work	The Origins of Totalitarianism; The Human Condition; Eichmann in Jerusalem

Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) was a political theorist and writer whose work examined power, authority, responsibility, and the conditions of modern political life. She is best known for her analyses of totalitarianism and for her investigations into moral responsibility under extreme political conditions.

Arendt’s work occupies a distinctive position between philosophy, history, and political analysis.

Early life and education

Hannah Arendt was born in Germany in 1906. She studied philosophy under prominent thinkers, including Martin Heidegger and Karl Jaspers, and completed academic training in Germany.

As a result of political developments in the 1930s, she left Germany and later emigrated to the United States.

Political theory

Arendt focused on the nature of political action, power, and authority. She distinguished between power, violence, and domination, arguing that political power arises from collective action rather than coercion.

Her work emphasized the importance of public life and civic engagement.

Totalitarianism

In The Origins of Totalitarianism, Arendt analyzed the structures and conditions that give rise to totalitarian regimes. She examined how ideology, terror, and bureaucracy can combine to undermine individual responsibility and political freedom.

This work became one of the most influential analyses of twentieth-century totalitarian systems.

Moral responsibility

Arendt addressed questions of moral responsibility and judgment in modern societies. Her reporting and analysis of the Eichmann trial introduced the concept often referred to as the “banality of evil,” emphasizing ordinary compliance rather than inherent malice.

These ideas generated significant debate.

Later life

Arendt taught at several universities and remained an active public intellectual. She continued writing and lecturing until her death in 1975.

Legacy

Hannah Arendt’s work continues to influence political theory, ethics, and historical analysis. Her insights into power, responsibility, and political life remain relevant to discussions of modern governance and moral judgment.

She is regarded as a major figure in twentieth-century political thought.