The concept of the "banality of evil" was introduced by political theorist Hannah Arendt in her 1963 book Eichmann in Jerusalem. Arendt used this phrase to describe how ordinary individuals can commit heinous acts not necessarily out of deep-seated hatred or monstrous intent, but through thoughtlessness, conformity, and a failure to reflect on the moral implications of their actions.
In her investigation of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi officer responsible for organizing the logistics of the Holocaust, Arendt observed that Eichmann appeared to be a banal, unremarkable bureaucrat rather than a fanatic or monster. His actions were motivated by a desire to advance his career within the Nazi regime and a lack of concern about the moral consequences of his duties. This led her to conclude that evil can sometimes manifest through ordinary people who follow orders or adhere to routine without questioning the morality of their actions.
The phrase "banality of evil" captures this unsettling idea that profound evil can arise from mundane processes and the conformity of individuals within groups. It challenges the notion that evil is solely the product of inherently wicked individuals, emphasizing instead the importance of moral responsibility, critical thought, and ethical awareness in preventing such atrocities.