Collective responsibility Quote by Hammann Konrad
““Still, among the critics of the concept of collective guilt, Bultmann was one of the few who spoke of a collective responsibility of the German people towards Judaism. “There certainly is a collective responsibility, however, in which the innocent takes upon himself the guilt of the guilty. Whoever is a German is liable for what was done to the Jews in the name of Germany, even if he was not personally involved in it.”91””
About This Quote
Source Scholarly essay on collective guilt, 20th century theology
Bultmann argues that a people can bear collective responsibility for historical atrocities, even without personal involvement.
In simple terms: People can be collectively responsible for past crimes.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge collective responsibility while seeking justice.
Themes
responsibility
history
ethics
collective guilt
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- reparations
- public policy
- memorialization
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
history
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies address collective guilt constructively?
- What role should future generations play?
A Different Perspective
It may impose guilt on individuals who had no role, risking resentment.
