Virality of Evil: Philosophy in the Time of a Pandemic

The pandemic has been a systemic malaise, spreading uncontrollably like a poison and a contagion. This collection of responses from moral and political philosophy, epistemology, ontology, literary studies, theology, and psychoanalysis explores the possibility of speaking of evil in the time of the pandemic, taking a plural approach to the sufferings of different parts of the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The pandemic has left a lasting impact on the world, revealing a profound systemic malaise known as 'le mal.' This evil manifests in various ways, both in its literal sense as a poison and in its media-theoretical sense as an uncontrollable contagion. It is crucial to reexamine the concept of evil and elevate it to a central role in philosophical reflection on the pandemic. This collection brings together responses from diverse fields, including moral and political philosophy, epistemology, ontology, literary studies, theology, and psychoanalysis. Through a pluralistic approach, it explores the multifaceted sufferings of different regions globally, emphasizing a commitment to place and specificity. The contributors, drawn from both within and beyond the Western canon, offer unique perspectives rooted in various traditions.

Rather than treating the pandemic as a mere great event, the eighteen mediations refuse to isolate it, recognizing its unique manifestations across different parts of the world. They come together as a collective meditation, akin to the witches of Macbeth, to address this state of evil, acknowledging that it is an integral part of our own condition. The mediations delve into the challenging question of whether it is possible to speak of evil in the time of the pandemic. They explore the complexities and uncertainties surrounding this topic, raising fears and suspicions that are both terrifying and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, the pandemic has exposed the depths of a systemic malaise known as 'le mal.' It is time to reevaluate the concept of evil and embrace it as a vital tool for philosophical reflection on this global crisis. This collection offers a diverse range of perspectives, drawing from various fields and traditions, to explore the multifaceted sufferings of different parts of the world. Through a pluralistic approach, it seeks to shed light on the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the concept of evil in the time of the pandemic, encouraging us to confront and address this state of evil as an integral part of our own condition.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 237 x 161 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538164709