Language:
French
Year of publication:
1999
Titel der Quelle:
Revue d'Histoire de la Shoah
Angaben zur Quelle:
167 (1999) 102-131
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Influence
;
Antisemitism History 1933-1945
;
National socialism Philosophy
Abstract:
Reflects on German responsibility for the Shoah, beginning with the dichotomy of individual vs. collective guilt, and compares those actively involved in the genocide with the silent majority. Divides the responsibility into four categories: legal, political, moral, and metaphysical. Poses the question whether there is a German cultural predisposition to antisemitism, and analyzes the role of antisemitism as a fundamental aspect of Nazi ideology. Discusses, also, the issue of responsibility aroused in the West German "historians' debate" in the 1980s. Concludes that the Nazi era could be described as the epitome of a modern process of developing technology while simultaneously demonstrating moral regression. Believes that the concept of "lest we forget" means neither to take revenge nor to grant pardon, but rather to evoke memory in accord with a constant need for the preservation of human dignity.
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