This essay examines the usefulness (or not) of Agamben’s notion of the state of exception as a framework for understanding the drastic changes to social life brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It also considers a number of alternative interpretations – of metaphysical or divine inspiration. COVID-19 has brought on much confusion, and this essay might or might not contribute to dissipating some of it. As always, it’s best to wash our hands.
