A Research On Hannah Arendt’s Theory Of Totalitarianism

In the twentieth Century,as all mankind’s disaster,totalitarianism is the most serious pain that western political civilization is unwilling to look back.As a witness and survival,Hannah Arendt reviews and criticizes totalitarianism systematically and comprehensively by her book called the Origins of Totalitarianism and her other works.She combines anti-Semitism imperialism and totalitarianism together creatively,to analyses their logic consistency.The idea of "the elements of totalitarianism" makes Arendt different from the others.It explains totalitarianism is not a new historical thing.In fact,we can find the shadow of totalitarianism in any polity and any epoch.Through analyzing historical data by psychological political and philosophical methods,Arendt proves such a fact that totalitarianism is not an inevitable outcome when humans developed into a certain history stage.It is a grave dug by humans self.Although Arendt’s thesis is attractive,is still criticized by the academia even society.In fact,Arendt has no intention to criticize totalitarianism,the purpose is discussing the crisis of modernity behind totalitarianism.Arendt’s theory of totalitarianism provides theoretical reference value for totalitarianism,more than that,it is a important key to study Arendt’s thoughts of political philosophy.This thesis takes the Origins of Totalitarianism as the core text,combines Arendt’s other writings.Firstly,analyzing the background of Arendt’s ideology of totalitarianism,which means the specific historical background and her special experience.Then discussing totalitarianism’s origins and elements,and presenting the practices and essence.Finally,evaluating the totalitarianism thought that including theoretical contribution and historic limitation.Also exploring the ideology’s enlightenment for Chinese political development.I try to avoid misinterpretation and over-interpretation.Using the method of "comprehension" which is initiated by Arendt,to understand totalitarianism in depth and grasp Arendt’s political views precisely.