Table of Contents

Contents: Introduction 1. Guilt--A Basic Human Condition 2. Shared Elements in the Historical Notions of Guilt 3. Tradition and Modern Psychology: Experiences in Dealing with Guilt 4. Silenced Guilt: The Case of National Socialism 5. The Psychological and Social Consequences of Silence 6. Damage to Democracy 7. Overcoming Silence Together Notes Bibliography Index

Promotional Information

Examines the power of guilt in modern Germany and its damaging effects on modern democracy and culture

About the Author

Gesine Schwan is a professor of political science at Freie Universität Berlin. Thomas Dunlap's translations include Ute Deichmann's Biologists under Hitler.

Reviews

"Schwan focuses specifically on the responsibility of nations, especially democratic nations, to express guilt and assume some degree of responsibility for their acts. Schwan states her thesis clearly and compellingly . . . . The translation from the German reads as if the book had been written in English. . . . Highly recommended for anyone interested in the function of guilt and responsibility, especially in the context of democratic nations."—Choice