The Nazi Hunters

What point does Bascomb’s account make concerning the distinction of Legality Versus Morality? Consider how these two views can both intersect as well as depart from each other in politics. Finally, connect your response to the text, identifying any similarities and/or differences in point-of-view.

Teaching Suggestion: This question invites students to reframe both the theme of Legality Versus Morality as well as their responses within the context of Bascomb’s account. Eichmann insisted that his actions were only dutiful; the Israeli government countered that morality should have prevailed in Eichmann’s performance of his duties. Eichmann claimed he was not responsible for the genocide of the Jewish community because, although he did give the orders, he did not perform the murders directly; the Israeli government asserted that, as the one who gave the orders, he is ultimately responsible for all the deaths. An in-class discussion regarding these themes may be beneficial prior to textual analysis.