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Edgar Morin (1921-2026)

“My life is an intellectual journey in the course of which my thinking is constantly being shaped. But this journey was never mapped out and my line of thought has never reached an end. It is still evolving to this day.”

Edgar Morin en octobre 2012
Edgar Morin

© Cyril Frésillon / CNRS Images

France's most celebrated intellectual, Edgar Morin passed away on May 29th in his 105th year.

Philosopher and sociologist, he leaves us a legacy of his writings and reflections during eight decades of an exceptional scientific career, driven by a keen ambition to build bridges between disciplines and explore all points of view, as testified by researchers in every field.

He co-directed with Jean Rouch the film "Chronique d'un été" (Chronicle of a Summer) and received the Grand Prix of the Critics' Week, in Cannes Festival 1961.

Our archives have captured moments from his unusual scientific career and his work with young people at events organised by the CNRS.

Back in 2021, on his 100th birthday, CNRS News published a portrait
In 2018 © Cyril Frésillon / CNRS Images
Go further into his complex thought
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An evening with Edgar Morin

A special evening to celebrate Edgar Morin's 60th career year at the CNRS was organized on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Various personalities from the world of research but also from politics came to pay tribute to the outstanding career of this global thinker. In a speech that was both funny and moving, Edgar Morin recalled when he joined the CNRS in 1951, at the age of 31. This gave the opportunity for the sociologist to outline the incredible freedom he enjoyed as a researcher in…

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An evening with Edgar Morin
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CNRS Youth, Science and Citizens Meetings

CNRS Youth meetings have existed for 20 years. On this occasion, this film looks back at what has made them successful over the years. In 2010, this annual meeting, between young people and researchers from all disciplines, brought together 450 students from around the world (Europe, the United States, Quebec, Morocco, etc.) at the Futuroscope conference centre in Poitiers. During three intensive days, they exchanged with scientists on science issues. Researchers bring young people…

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CNRS Youth, Science and Citizens Meetings

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