Moral Foundations of Politics - The Trial of Adolf Eichmann and Government Legitimacy

Explore the moral complexities surrounding the trial of Adolf Eichmann in this 48-minute lecture from Yale University's "Moral Foundations of Politics" course. Delve into Hannah Arendt's "Eichmann in Jerusalem" as Professor Shapiro challenges students to examine their discomfort with both Eichmann's actions as a Nazi officer and Israel's handling of his capture, trial, and execution. Investigate the fundamental question of governmental legitimacy, considering whether the Third Reich was illegitimate and if Eichmann violated a higher law. Examine five traditions for assessing governmental legitimacy and prepare for an introduction to John Locke's political philosophy. The lecture covers Eichmann's background, analyzes his actions and subsequent legal proceedings, and frames the discussion within broader political theory contexts.