Explaining Antisemitism

Jewish authors especially have undertaken many attempts to explain antisemitism. The questions of why hatred against Jews arises, how it is expressed, what characterizes it, and what distinguishes it from other forms of discrimination have been analyzed since at least the nineteenth century. These were attempts to theoretically comprehend the phenomenon of antisemitism and anti-Judaism in order to enlighten, to expose the irrationality of this hatred, and to combat its effects, which range from small differences to murderous violence. Explanations have also been provided, albeit less frequently, by non-Jewish authors – especially also by antisemites themselves, who thereby tried to explain or legitimize their own prejudices. While contemporary debates focus especially on the question of the necessity and precision of definitions of antisemitism, this seminar will examine the explanations themselves from a historical perspective.

Literature: Birgit Erdle/Werner Konitzer (eds.), Theorien über Judenhass – eine Denkgeschichte. Kommentierte Quellenedition (1781–1931), Frankfurt am Main 2016.

Open for senior students: no
Enrollment: see central date of the History Seminar
Examinations: Presentation and term paper