When ignorance stimulates science

"We judge the value of science by the ignorance it defines", Stuart Firestein

"We never pay attention to what has been done; we only see what remains to be done." Marie Curie 

Researchers observe, explain, predict, prove. But, just as much, they hesitate, doubt, and grope their way. Research is fed by ignorance, since it is the result of all the unresolved questions that researchers all over the world are asking themselves. But it also produces ignorance, since each discovery, each new result raises new questions and sometimes opens up unknown paths.

Highly qualified researchers from all disciplines will present their vision and practice of ignorance. This seminar will thus propose an open debate on scientific activity based on a question common to all disciplines.

No scientific prerequisites are required to attend the seminar. Seminar program :

The seminar will be held on Friday between 10 a.m. and noon at rue d'Ulm; alternatively, depending on health regulations, it will be held through video conference.

Organized by: Alain Fuchs (Président, PSL), Emmanuel Basset (Directeur de la Recherche et de la Formation graduée, PSL), Mathias Girel (ENS)  

Validation: The seminar can be part of a validated work under doctoral education. May also be validated for Master's students (contact us). May also be validated as part as ENS Degree (contact us).

Sessions in 2021-2022:

• March 4: introduction
• March 11: Laurent Bopp (Sciences du climat - ENS - PSL)
• March 18: Patrice Geoffron (Economie - Dauphine - PSL)
• March 25: Roberto Casati (Sciences cognitives - ENS - PSL)
• April 1: Pierre Friedlingstein (Sciences du climat - ENS - PSL)
• April 8: Lindsay Mc Goey (Ignorance Studies - U. of Essex)
• April 15: séance intermédiaire
• April 22: Soraya Boudia (Sociologie - U. de Paris Cité)
• May 13: Régis Ferrière (Ecologie - ENS - PSL)
• May 20: tbc
• June 3: Anna Creti (Economie - Dauphine - PSL)