Morality between National Socialism and the present: A research network in focus

Morality between National Socialism and the present: A research network in focus

Dr. Friederike Klein from the Hannover Medical School (MHH) is intensively involved in the “Against Forgetting” initiative. This movement aims to raise awareness of the crimes of National Socialism and promote the importance of an ethical examination of this dark chapter of history. Their commitment fits into a broader context of social reflection on morality and responsibility.

The NS Moral Network, in which the MHH is also involved, is dedicated to researching the moral dimensions of National Socialism. Loud netzwerk-nsmoral.de The self-image of many societies around the world is largely shaped by the historical experiences of these crimes. International legal norms such as the Genocide Convention and the principle of inviolability of human dignity are direct responses to the atrocities of National Socialism.

Interdisciplinary research

The research network includes sociologists, historians, cultural scientists, lawyers and philosophers who work together on the interdisciplinary analysis of the moral concepts of the National Socialists. The aim is to research the ethical ideas of the National Socialists and examine their influence on legal and social structures.

Two central research fields are covered: On the one hand, it is about the history of morality and moral philosophy in Germany in relation to National Socialism. Based on this, the ethical ideas of the National Socialists and their development are examined. The connection between law and morality and the aftereffects of these ideologies in German history are also topics of debate.

• Ethik der Nationalsozialisten: Struktur und Entwicklung
• Rolle der Moralphilosophie in der Vorbereitung und Rechtfertigung der Verbrechen
• Verhältnis zwischen Recht und Moral in der Nachkriegszeit

The second research field deals with the genre of National Socialism in philosophy, thinking and feeling. It examines how political thought patterns perpetuate themselves independently of historical contexts and what changes can be observed in this genre.

Promoting exchange

A central concern of the network is the exchange between researchers in order to strengthen interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Annual conferences dedicated to discussing these complex issues are planned. In addition, the publication of research results should be supported in order to make the findings accessible to a wider audience.

The goal is to establish the relationship between National Socialism, morality and philosophy as a cross-sectional topic in scientific research and teaching. Participation in these interdisciplinary discourses is crucial to developing materials and supports that promote understanding of these morals.

Further information about Dr. Friederike Klein's commitment and the “Against Forgetting” initiative can be found on the MHH website: mhh.de.