Livres en dialogue

- An open door to the humanities and social sciences -

Short, lively formats for rich conversations

The ‘Livres en dialogue’ (Books in dialogue) format encourages dynamic and interactive conversations. For forty-five minutes, the authors speak with a guest specialising in their subject (a journalist or public figure), who offers an additional and stimulating perspective on the work. This meeting of perspectives invites the audience to immerse themselves in a wide range of subjects. These include racial gentrification explored by Charlotte Recoquillon with journalist Rokhaya Diallo, the construction of peace analysed by Séverine Autesserre and journalist Julie Gacon (France Culture), and the questions surrounding the constitutional principle of secularism (laïcité) in France raised by Jean Baubérot and the author and philosopher Mazarine Pingeot. At the end of the discussion, there is time for the audience to ask questions, explore certain themes further, and interact directly with the speakers.

Topical issues and innovative approaches

The choice of the works presented prioritises topical issues and original approaches, selected for their capacity to shed new light on contemporary questions. With various events, the aim of this cycle is to make the evolutions of today’s world visible and to offer tools for improving understanding of current social, political, cultural, and environmental changes. For example, in June 2024, the evening devoted to ‘pop culture’ brought together author Bodo Mrozek and journalist Marjorie Bertin to explore the appearance and aesthetic evolution of this movement, and its influence on modern youth culture.

A convivial moment to continue the discussion

After the debates and the question-and-answer session, each event ends with a book signing, allowing the audience to chat informally with the authors. This convivial moment provides the ideal opportunity to explore certain subjects in greater depth, hear people’s views, or simply have an informal conversation about the ideas and books presented.

Coming together to open up research to all

‘Livres en dialogue’ is part of the efforts by the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (FMSH) to build bridges between the research world and society. It does this by helping the public to discover research works and findings in the humanities and social sciences. With guests such as Florent Georgesco (Le Monde), Géraldine Mosna-Savoye (France Culture), and Jean Lebrun (France Inter), the FMSH wants these events to provide a space for constructive and inspiring dialogue that makes reflection on our world accessible to all.