David Deutsch on the Pattern - EconTalk Archives, 2006 Recap

Podcast: EconTalk Archives, 2006

Published: 2025-12-22

Duration: 1 hr 26 min

Guests: David Deutsch

Summary

David Deutsch presents a theory that throughout history, there has been a recurring pattern of legitimizing harm against Jews. This pattern persists across various societies and historical contexts, with changing justifications but a constant underlying permission structure.

What Happened

David Deutsch, a renowned physicist from Oxford University, proposes a compelling theory that there exists a persistent pattern throughout history where harming Jews is often rationalized. He argues that this pattern does not primarily manifest as direct attacks but as a societal readiness to justify attacks when they occur. This idea is explored through historical examples, such as the pogroms of the Crusades and controversial cultural representations like Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of Christ'.

Deutsch emphasizes that this pattern is not typical hatred but rather a moral perversion that has survived various cultural and economic shifts. He illustrates how the Enlightenment, expected to reduce antisemitism, unfortunately, exacerbated it, and how the establishment of Israel did not end violence against Jews but instead increased criticism.

The conversation delves into how this pattern is not limited to specific eras but is a global impulse that can be found in almost everyone to some degree. Deutsch points out that the irrationality of accusations against Jews, such as those concerning deicide or Zionism, is a hallmark of this pattern.

Russ Roberts and David Deutsch discuss how criticism of Israel often serves as a rationalization for latent antisemitic sentiments, highlighting the inadequacy of Israel's public relations strategies in counteracting anti-Israel rhetoric.

Deutsch argues against assimilation as a solution to antisemitism, noting the irony that the Holocaust began in Germany, where Jews were most assimilated. He also discusses Zionism's initially tepid reception among Jews, which ultimately saved hundreds of thousands during the Holocaust.

Finally, Deutsch observes that societal norms and traditions play a significant role in regulating the expression of this pattern, and he notes a growing anti-pattern sentiment among non-Jews, suggesting a potential shift in public consciousness.

Key Insights

• Historical patterns show that antisemitism often manifests as societal rationalizations for attacks on Jews, rather than direct hatred. This pattern has persisted through various cultural and economic shifts.
• The Enlightenment, contrary to expectations, exacerbated antisemitism rather than reducing it, illustrating the complexity of societal attitudes towards Jews.
• Criticism of Israel frequently acts as a rationalization for latent antisemitic sentiments, highlighting challenges in countering anti-Israel rhetoric through public relations.
• The Holocaust began in Germany, where Jews were most assimilated, suggesting that assimilation does not necessarily protect against antisemitism.