logo
episode-header-image
May 2021
35m 11s

Episode 97, ‘Lessons from Lockdown’ with...

Jack Symes | Andrew Horton, Oliver Marley, and Rose de Castellane
About this episode

Introduction

Over a year has passed since COVID-19 forced the world to shut its doors. Millions of lives have been lost, and millions more have undergone radical change. At times, many of us have wished to see loved ones, friends, and colleagues; we’ve longed to play sports, attend shows, and travel the world. We’ve hoped that everything can return to normal. But should they?

What if this pandemic has highlighted issues in our societies that have been ignored or marginalised for too long? What if normal made the pandemic worse than it needed to be, and what if normal is part of the problem? According to philosopher Vittorio Bufacchi, this is precisely the case: everything must change.

Vittorio Bufacchi is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at University College Cork, specialising in questions concerning social injustice, human rights, and political violence. As we shall see, Bufacchi’s work demonstrates that philosophy can and should engage with the most pressing social issues of our time. Philosophy, says Bufacchi, can navigate us towards better ideas and a better world; and it is during times of crisis that we need it most.

Contents

Part I. The Pandemic

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Links

Everything Must Change: Philosophical Lessons From Lockdown.

Vittorio Bufacchi, Website.

Vittorio Bufacchi, Twitter.

Up next
Aug 24
Episode 146, The Philosophy of Comedy (Part II - The Ethics of Humour)
In 2021, Netflix released His Dark Material, a Christmas stand-up special by Irish–British comedian Jimmy Carr. The show sparked international outrage. Toward the end of the set, Carr delivered what he called a ‘career ender’ – a joke about the Holocaust, in which he described th ... Show More
37m 44s
Aug 10
Episode 146, The Philosophy of Comedy (Part I - The Nature of Humour)
In 2021, Netflix released His Dark Material, a Christmas stand-up special by Irish–British comedian Jimmy Carr. The show sparked international outrage. Toward the end of the set, Carr delivered what he called a ‘career ender’ – a joke about the Holocaust, in which he described th ... Show More
54m 18s
Jul 27
Episode 145, The Mystery of Morality: Live in London (Part II - Audience Questions)
'“Hello – it’s Olly here! For Episode 145, we have another very special show for you: the recording from our live event – The Mystery of Morality – held on 12 June 2025 at London’s Royal Institution Theatre. The event was a conversation between four of our previous guests: Richar ... Show More
22m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Auto-Exploitation, Positive Violence, and the Palliative Society: A Modern Philosopher’s Ideas for Making Sense of the Present Age
Feelings of burnout and boredom have become prevalent in modern life. To understand the roots of and solutions to these issues, we can turn to both ancient philosophers and contemporary thinkers. Among the latter is Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han, whose thought-provokin ... Show More
58m 6s
May 29
Nietzsche, the birth of tragedy, and the technology trap | Babette Babich
Nietzsche, the birth of tragedy, and the technology trap with Babette BabichBabette Babich discusses Nietzsche, the importance of tragedy, and the danger of technology interfering with our judgement. Babette Babich is a world renowned Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University ... Show More
24m 19s
Oct 2024
The end is a new beginning | Philosopher Ben Ware
Are we sliding towards our own extinction? How can we find hope amidst the despair of the modern world?Join philosopher Ben Ware as he analyzes the various apocalyptic narratives that have existed throughout history, dissecting everything from antinatalism to the romantic poets. ... Show More
26m 57s
Aug 2024
Does life have meaning? PART 3: Nolen Gertz on nihilism part two
PART 3 of Does life have meaning Series: How do we find meaning (and happiness) in the contemporary age?Nihilism, the abandonment of all fundamental beliefs, may appear a hopeless outlook. Yet perhaps it also has potential. Join philosopher Nolen Gertz as he explores the history ... Show More
14m 28s
Aug 2024
Does life have meaning? PART 3: Nolen Gertz on nihilism part one
PART 3 of Does life have meaning Series: How do we find meaning (and happiness) in the contemporary age?Nihilism, the abandonment of all fundamental beliefs, may appear a hopeless outlook. Yet perhaps it also has potential. Join philosopher Nolen Gertz as he explores the history ... Show More
14m 52s
Oct 2024
Episode #214 ... Framing our Being in a completely different way. (Heidegger)
Today we look at Heidegger's critique of metaphysics and the traditional subject-object framing in philosophy. How multiple framings are necessary for a fuller picture of our being. His challenge to thinkers like Nietzsche and Descartes. Dasein, the limitations of objectivity. Ph ... Show More
37m 54s
Aug 2024
The Professor Banned From Speaking Out: "We Need To Start Preparing! The Terrifying Lessons Of Covid We’re Ignoring!" - Bret Weinstein
Are humans an endangered species? Just what can we do to survive extinction level challenges such as the sun, AI, or a nuclear war?  Dr Bret Weinstein is an evolutionary biologist and former professor at Evergreen State College. He is the co-host of the podcast, ‘DarkHorse’, and ... Show More
2h 50m
Apr 2021
Five: Prof Will MacAskill on moral uncertainty, utilitarianism & how to avoid being a moral monster
Immanuel Kant is a profoundly influential figure in modern philosophy, and was one of the earliest proponents for universal democracy and international cooperation. He also thought that women have no place in civil society, that it was okay to kill illegitimate children, and that ... Show More
1h 52m
Mar 2025
The philosophy of dehumanisation | David Livingstone Smith
The philosophy of dehumanisation with David Livingstone SmithIn this exclusive interview, philosopher David Livingstone Smith explores the history, nature, and evolution of dehumanisation. As what is 'acceptable' in society changes, so do the tactics of undercover dehumanisation. ... Show More
31m 21s
Oct 2021
Prof. Peter O’Connor on how education can respond to terrorism
In an update of his 2017 talk, Prof. Peter O'Connor explores the complexities of terrorism from an educator's perspective. From the online version of Auckland University's Raising the Bar.Education expert Peter O'Connor explores the intricacies of terrorism in an updated version ... Show More
47m 48s