Inauguration of the Edgar Morin People’s University

Montpellier School of Medicine, bhistoric building, hasAnatomy Lecture Hall – 2 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 34000 Montpellier.

Edgar Morin is one of the greatest contemporary thinkers. For his readers and listeners, his work often serves as an irreversible gateway to the paradigm of tomorrow: that of complex thought. The Edgar Morin People’s University aims to bring this body of work to life through a series of lectures, debates, and thematic workshops. The inaugural session will focus on war and its impacts on our societies, as well as on the “Earth-Homeland.”

Detailed description

Edgar Morin’s interest in major societal and global issues is reflected in his concepts of “reliance,” solidarity with the “Earth-Homeland,” and a global “community of destiny.” These three concepts encompass issues that are often overlooked in formal education: the knowledge of knowledge, human complexity, understanding others, confronting uncertainties, globalization, the massive crises caused by wars, epidemics, climate change, and the erosion of biodiversity, as well as complex ethics, urban issues, and the revitalization of villages and rural areas. These are all major themes that the Edgar Morin People’s University aims to disseminate without delay to as many people as possible at the dawn of this third millennium, which holds as many perils as it does promises.

The topic of the inaugural lecture reflects this focus on current issues, encouraging reflection not only on the nature of conflicts (particularly in Ukraine) but also on their impact on human societies, the environment, and the economy.

Moving away from simplification and toward meaningful dissemination, this inaugural session is intended to be a gathering of intellectuals (from both the humanities and the sciences), artists, politicians, journalists, and members of civil society. The goal is to create a symbolically significant event in Montpellier’s cultural life centered on complex thought, with the aim of disseminating it to the general public. This project is one of the initiatives of the “Reliance en Complexité ” network, which aims to make Montpellier a hub and breeding ground for complex and Morinian thought across various scientific fields. Although our initiative is global in scope (our network extends as far as South America and Canada), our primary goal is to establish a strong local presence (Edgar Morin resides in Montpellier). The decision to hold the event in the amphitheater of the Montpellier School of Medicine (a historic building) is consistent with this approach.

Together, we are committed to honoring the inspiring figure who spearheaded the creation of this People’s University, and to continuing his legacy through a series of lectures, debates, and thematic workshops on a variety of topics (including upcoming special sessions on “Health and Complexity,” “Ecology and Complexity,” and “Art and Complexity”).

General overview:

Several officials will speak to kick off the inauguration (including an opening address by Agnès Langevine, Vice President of the Occitanie Region), followed by a keynote lecture by Edgar Morin. Finally, a symbolic ceremony will be held to close the event, which also marks the end of its centennial year (which, as we recall, began at the Élysée Palace).

Target audiences:

The guiding principle of the Université Populaire is to be open to everyone (of all ages and from all walks of life).

Program:

• 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Opening remarks
• 6:00–7:00 p.m.: Lecture by Edgar Morin
• 7:00–7:30 p.m.: Questions from the audience
• 8:00 p.m.: Closing surprise

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