Definition

Proper noun: * Hannah Arendt: A 20th-century German-American historian and political philosopher. Her work primarily focuses on the nature of power, political authority, totalitarianism, and the human condition.

Usage

• As a subject: is best known for her concept of the "banality of evil."
• In possessive form: analysis of totalitarianism remains influential.
• As an object of study: Many political science courses examine the writings of .

Examples

• fled Nazi Germany in 1933.
• The book "" was written by .
• Scholars often debate interpretation of Adolf Eichmann's trial.

Advanced Usage

• Arendtian (adj): Relating to or characteristic of the ideas of Hannah Arendt.
  • An Arendtian perspective on modern politics emphasizes public space and action.

Variants and Related Words

• Arendtian (adjective): Pertaining to her philosophical ideas.

Synonyms

• Political philosopher
• Historian of ideas
• Political theorist

Related Concepts and Terms

• Banality of evil: A phrase coined by Arendt to describe how ordinary people can commit atrocities by uncritically following orders and conforming to a system.
• The Human Condition: The title of one of her major philosophical works.
• Vita Activa (Latin for "active life"): A central concept in her work, distinguishing between labor, work, and action.
• Totalitarianism: A key subject of her political analysis.

Noun

1. United States historian and political philosopher (born in Germany) (1906-1975)