Grothendieck and radical ecology

Since 2016, we have been engaged in a series of study days
generically named "Journée Condorcet". These Journées, which
focus on topical issues, are distinguished by their
rational and well-argued approach. The topical nature of these issues should not be
used as a pretext for making them subject to reductions and partisan shortcuts.
This year, we would like to dedicate the Condorcet Day to an important
anniversary: the 10th anniversary of the death of the mathematician Alexandre
Grothendieck.

Grothendieck, an eminent figure in mathematics and a convinced anarchist
, left a rich and profound intellectual legacy. Among his
notable, yet little-known contributions, is his commitment to
radical ecology, a movement which, long before the general awareness
, questioned the very foundations of science and its role in
our society.

Our day of reflection will focus on exploring this particular
dimension of Grothendieck's legacy: radical ecology and its critique of
science. We will examine in depth the philosophical,
political, scientific and ethical foundations of this movement, seeking to
understand its implications for our understanding of the world and our
place within it. The "Survive and Live" movement, initiated in 1970 by
Grothendieck and other mathematicians, aims to challenge the
scientific "dogmas" that claim to know everything about our world.
Grothendieck himself denounced scientism in a text from Survive and
Live - "The New Universal Church" - as a new form of
religion that holds absolute truth. While mathematicians rarely engage in militant action, Alexandre Grothendieck's
involvement raises questions. It's possible that the special relationship that the discipline
has with reality, and in particular with techniques and technologies, has played a crucial role in this new awareness.

By highlighting the deep roots of this movement, which predate current debates on ecological crises, we hope to stimulate stimulating reflection on our relationship with science and technology. This day of reflection will therefore be an opportunity for dialogue and debate, bringing together specialists from diverse backgrounds for an in-depth and nuanced exploration of these crucial questions for our times.

The guests are :

• Igor BABOU Université Paris Cité, LADYSS laboratory
• Nicolas BOULEAU Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech, CERMICS
• Pierre-Henri GOUYON Natural History Museum, ISyEB
• Joëlle LE MAREC Natural History Museum, PALOC
• Céline PESSIS AgroParisTech, SADAPT