Instructional Video

An Introduction to Hannah Arendt’s The Human Condition

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Do you live a life of action or a life of contemplation? Hannah Arendt's 1958 publication The Human Condition addresses the philosophical components of human life, including the necessity of and relationships between work, labor, and action.

5 Views 6 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Bring to a philosophy class when discussing Arendt or other 20th century views on human life
  • Have learners create their own presentations about the vita contemplativa
  • Prompt class members to examine their own lives in a journal or poster project, noting the parts of their vita activa 
Classroom Considerations
  • Video focuses on the first part of Arendt's theory; for the second part, refer to the full analysis that is available on the publisher's website
  • Comment section is available for public viewing and use
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Takes a step-by-step method to explain the three elements of the vita activa in politics
  • Connects well to philosophy, political science, world history, and language arts
Cons
  • None