Philosophy Tea - Hannah Arendt

Philosopher Hannah Arendt’s work on totalitarianism was the topic at the Philosophy Tea at Regina Theater (produced by Paul Kessel) on December 14, 2016, shortly after Donald Trump won the US Presidency. Arendt was born in 1906 in Germany, left the country and died in the USA in 1975. The discussion between Peter Wallensteen and Daniel Ogden focuses on her seminal work The Origins of Totalitarianism (published in 1951), dealing with Nazism and Stalinism. This book became a best seller and made Hannah Arendt a well-known thinker. In the Philosophy Tea session it is noted that these two regimes were not only authoritarian, but according to Arendt also wanted to change people’s mind from within. This is what Arendt means with totalitarianism. She argues, that the ambition of such regimes is to create a new type of citizens, not only rule them for the benefit of rulers. The session also discusses her frequently cited formulation “the banality of evil”, noting that it stems from her writings on the trial against Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann in 1962. The two speakers mention that this conception became controversial, but could better be understood against the background of her previous work. At the end of the session the panelists respond to questions from the audience.

This episode was recorded and edited at Reginateatern, which also served as the host venue for the event on 14 December 2016.

Producer: Paul Kessel

The Philosophy Tea talks were held regularly at the Regina Theatre in Uppsala from 2014 to 2021. During these well attended events – where tea, scones and jam were served – Professor Peter Wallensteen and Guest Lecturer Daniel Ogden, both of Uppsala University, discussed thinkers who have contributed to our understanding of peace and justice. In all, 40 sessions were held, of which 31 are recorded. The session were also supported by Uppsala University as part of its outreach activities.