Simbolica della morte e della fragilità. Riflessioni filosofico-politiche sullo stato di emergenza durante la pandemia da Covid-19

This article investigates the symbolism connected to the concepts of death and fragility in reference to the health emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting from a philosophical premise, the concept of “emergency” is investigated, also etymologically, showing the connection between a health emergency and the re-emergence of existential problems inherent to the essence of the human being, such as his mortality: all this immediately shows important social and political, as well as ethical and moral consequences. A second premise investigates the notions of “emergency” and “state of emergency” in political and legal key, with particular reference to Carl Schmitt. The discussion continues by analyzing in a philosophical-political key the re-emergence of the concept of mortality during the health emergency from COVID-19, and then reflect on the symbolic-political value of fragility and mortality through a historical-philosophical path from antiquity to the present day.