Philosophy Tea - Albert Camus

In this Philosophy Tea we discuss Camus’ highly topical, The Plague (La Peste). Camus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957. The Plague has often been seen as an allegory of the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. But it is also part of a longer tradition of plague literature, a genre pioneered by Daniel Defoe in his A Journal of the Plague Year (1722), a work that Camus quotes in the epigraph to his own novel. In a more general sense it is about the human condition and our vulnerability to life threatening circumstances, be they caused by viruses or the actions of our fellow humans. How we respond to these circumstances defines us as human beings.

This episode was recorded and edited at Reginateatern, which also served as the host venue for the event on 1 December 2020.

Producer: Paul Kessel

The Philosophy Tea talks were held regularly at the Regina Theatre in Uppsala from 2014 to 2021. During these well attended events – where tea, scones and jam were served – Professor Peter Wallensteen and Guest Lecturer Daniel Ogden, both of Uppsala University, discussed thinkers who have contributed to our understanding of peace and justice. In all, 40 sessions were held, of which 31 are recorded. The session were also supported by Uppsala University as part of its outreach activities.