Political Implications of Nonpolitical Thinking

Focusing on Hannah Arendt's Later Theory of Thinking

Abstract

Since 1990's, a growing number of studies have dealt with the im. portance of citizenship education, backed by the active discussion oy publicness. In most these studies, citizenship to be educated is considered mainly from the point of view which emphasises on participation oy political action. However, is it not the case that publicness has its basis also in activities of mind, which are not necessarily political?  This paper argues for the public significance of nonpolitical thinking, and this argument is developed through examining the theory of thinking in Hannah Arendt’s later writings. A particular focus is placed on her view on the relation between ‘thinking’ and the ‘public’. Arendt points out that there is a tension between them, and stresses repeatedly that these two must not be confused with each other. That is because, according to her, thinking has non- and anti-political qualities. However, she overturns her own argument lastly, insisting that thinking is nonpolitical, and that it is therefore political.  Thus 1 shall make the following points. Firstly, shall make clear what Arendt intended by making a strict distinction between thinking and the public. In doing so, I explore her concern on this issue. Secondly, I shall ask in what sense thinking is non- and anti-political. | examine the three characteristics of thinking for which Arendt argued that is to say, its search for the general, its withdrawal from the ‘world, and its solitude. Thirdly and lastly, this paper will shed hight on why nonpolitical thinking can be political. By interpreting Arendt's accounts in The Life of the Mind and Responsibility and Judgment, I clarify the paradoxical relation between thinking and the public, This paper ¥ thus present one perspective to reconsider the concepts of publicnes .and citizenship.