Academy of Ideas's video: Susan Neiman and Frank Furedi on the moral responses to Covid-19

This is a recording of an online debate hosted by the Freiblickinstitut in association with the Academy of Ideas on 3 June 2020: academyofideas.org.uk/events/archive/moral_responses_to_the_pandemic_susan_neiman_and_frank_furedi The worldwide response to the pandemic has challenged many long-cherished values. Democracy was put on hold, with elections postponed and parliaments in recess. Freedoms were curtailed, with extensive powers granted to police forces. Traditional markers of compassion, like funerals, were cancelled. And many say that essential workers, from nurses to shop-assistants, were put in harm’s way. Amidst such widespread moral challenges, how are we to decide what’s right? Whilst a rich tradition of philosophy reflects on how to be moral, can it be useful in such ‘unprecedented’ times? Is there anything we can learn from history? When we are urged to ‘follow the science’ and obey government guidance, is there any room for individual judgement and moral autonomy? Susan Neiman and Frank Furedi discuss. All Academy of Ideas online events are free - if you are in a position to be able to donate, we’d greatly appreciate your support: http://www.academyofideas.org.uk/donate