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Abstract

This article proposes that hate propaganda be examined in terms of its basis in irrationalism as a philosophical orientation. In the first part of the paper, irrationalism is discussed from the perspectives of various 20th century philosophers engaged against the rise of fascism or responding to it. In the second part, selected examples of contemporary propaganda are discussed, demonstrating continuity in the use of irrationalism as a limitation to thought and analysis.

Keywords: irrationalism, antisemitism, Frankfurt School, Vienna Circle, Max Weber, Karl Popper, Georg Lukács, Leo Löwenthal, Max Horkheimer, Norbert Guterman, critical theory, Continental philosophy, anti-immigrant, xenophobia, eugenicism, separatism

How to Cite: Lanning, R., 2012. Irrationalism: The Foundation of Hate Propaganda. Journal of Hate Studies, 10(1), pp.49–71. DOI: http://doi.org/10.33972/jhs.113