Problems Unique to the Holocaust - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813190487 ISBN 13: 9780813190488

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 2003

Synopsis

Victims of the Holocaust were faced with moral dilemmas for which no one could prepare. Yet many of the life-and-death situations forced upon them required immediate actions and nearly impossible choices. In Problems Unique to the Holocaust , today's leading Holocaust scholars examine the difficult questions surrounding this terrible chapter in world history. Is it ever legitimate to betray others to save yourself? If a group of Jews is hiding behind a wall and a baby begins to cry, should an adult smother the child to protect the safety of the others? How guilty are the bystanders who saw what was happening but did nothing to aid the victims of persecution? In addition to these questions, one contributor considers whether commentators can be objective in analyzing the Holocaust or if this is a topic to be left only to Jews. In the final essay, another scholar assesses the challenge of ethics in a post-Holocaust world. This singular collection of essays, which closes with a meditation on Daniel Goldhagen's controversial book Hitler's Willing Executioners , asks bold questions and encourages readers to look at the tragedy of the Holocaust in a new light.

About this title

About the Author:

The late Harry James Cargas was professor emeritus of literature and language at Webster University and author of thirty-two books, including Voices from the Holocaust.

Review:

"Asks bold questions and encourages readers to look at the tragedy of the Holocaust in a new light."―Bulletin of the Arnold and Leona Institute of Holocaust Research

"If there is a single word that marks Cargas's work, it is 'moving.'"―Commonweal

"A most valuable book: It deepens our perception of the moral enormity of the Holocaust."―Ethnic Conflict Research Digest

"Filled with the insights of scholars who share with us their deepest reflections on the Holocaust. This moving volume is essential for those interested in the Holocaust and for those who want to honor Harry Cargas for his unique benefactions to both Christianity and Judaism."―Robert F. Drinan, Georgetown University Law Center

"A timely book for unseasoned questions. . . . The questions asked, the analysis provided, avoid simplification and easy piety."―SeedHouse

"Cargas has insightfully grasped the central issue of the collapse of the moral universe that was engendered by the Shoah."―Alan Berger, Florida Atlantic University

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0813190487
• ISBN 13: 9780813190488
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Cargas Harry James