The philosophers of the Enlightenment had wagered that the development of education would make it possible to build a democracy of informed citizens capable of deliberating rationally for the common good. In doing so, they overlooked the ever-recurrent role of passions and emotions in politics. But more than that, they had not imagined that mass education could lead to the destructive relativism that we now see everywhere triumphing, forming a system with the development of conspiratorial visions of the world, the growing influence of the merchants of doubt and the dissolution of the very notions of reality and truth.
The colloquium has a twofold objective. Firstly, to set out clearly the terms of the problem, by recalling its historical constitution and establishing the terms of its philosophical conceptualization. Particular attention will be paid to the way in which the development of the Internet and social networks has radicalized the issue. Secondly, using examples and experiences, to reflect on the conditions under which it is now possible to rediscover a sense of rationality and a more shared approach to facts.
This symposium is being organized to mark the tenth anniversary of laviedesidees.fr magazine, which is attached to the Institut du Monde Contemporain of the Collège de France. Operating as an intellectual cooperative, laviedesidees.fr is designed as a forum for informed debate on the major issues facing the contemporary world, and as a vehicle for disseminating emerging knowledge in all disciplines. In a world increasingly irrigated by unfounded opinions, it highlights the contribution of scientific work, while remaining accessible to the widest possible audience.