On ideology and totalitarianism

Abstract

This chapter has two parts: one on ideology and the other on totalitarianism. In the first part, it explores Aron’s adaption of the notion of ideology through Karl Mannheim and Edward Shils and concludes with a discussion of the “End of Ideology?” debate. In the second part, it clarifies the similarities and differences between Aron’s conception of totalitarianism and that of Hannah Arendt.