The article discusses M. Rainer Lepsius's analyses of the cognitive dissonance in Germany during National Socialism and his sociological insights into the rise of the Nazi state.
M. Rainer Lepsius, a German sociologist, devoted his work to uncovering the cognitive self-deception that peaked during National Socialism. He viewed himself as part of an 'enlightenment enterprise' with a mission to analyze and liberate Germany from this cognitive dissonance. Through sociological methodologies, Lepsius aimed to understand how the Nazi state emerged, favoring these methods over historiography to delve deeper into societal behaviors and attitudes.
His groundbreaking study, 'The Model of Charismatic Authority and Its Applicability to Hitler's Führer State,' published in various forms between 1986 and 1993, applied Max Weber's charisma theory to Nazi rule. This approach surprised historians and offered fresh perspectives on the political and social dynamics between 1918 and 1934, a crucial period leading up to the establishment of the Third Reich. Lepsius’s work encouraged a reevaluation of the sociological causes behind the Nazi regime's rise.
Lepsius's emphasis on understanding the societal factors contributing to the NS regime underlines the importance of sociology in comprehending historical events. His analyses invite ongoing discussion on how cognitive biases can influence national narratives and shape collective memory, reinforcing the need for critical reflection regarding past ideologies and their implications for contemporary society.
