Study day - Value crises in the humanities and social sciences

Value crises in the humanities and social sciences :
Transatlantic perspectives on populism and Trump's re-election.

6 February 2025 from 9.45am à 6.00 pm @ ICTT Research Laboratory, room 0W35
Avignon University and online (Interdisciplinary and bilingual study day)

Get involved face-to-face at the ICTT Research Laboratory, room 0W35, at Avignon University or online by registering by email at Sonya.Isaak@univ-avignon.fr with the subject line "registration for Thursday 6 February". Please register in advance (at least 24 hours if possible). You will then receive an active link from 9.45am (Paris time).

The re-election of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States represents much more than a political change; it is symptomatic of a global crisis in the values underpinning democratic societies, intellectual freedom and international cooperation. This study day will question the multiple implications of populism, as illustrated by Trump's victory, with a focus on its transatlantic impact in the humanities, social sciences and public discourse. The humanities and social sciences have always been at the heart of critical analysis, ethical reflection and democratic engagement. Yet these disciplines are facing increasing challenges from rising authoritarianism, intensified censorship, attacks on critical thinking and increased ideological polarisation. From literature and philosophy to law, political science and cultural studies, the fundamental values of intellectual freedom, academic autonomy and human rights are increasingly under threat. In addition, Trump's re-election raises urgent questions about the role of public policy, social networks and political rhetoric in shaping public opinion, as well as about the decline of democracy in the face of rapid technological transformations and developments in artificial intelligence.

This study day will explore the intersections between authoritarianism, rhetoric and the 'values crises' that threaten the future of higher education and, more broadly, that of democracy. The key questions to be addressed are

• Why did Trump win the presidential election again, and what are the consequences for the United States and Europe?
• How will Trump's second term affect transatlantic relations and public policy in the areas of education, freedom of enquiry and cultural exchanges?
• How can the humanities and social sciences respond to the takeover of traditional and social media by technology tycoons?
• What role does rhetoric play in perpetuating or resisting authoritarian narratives, and how can it be studied through the humanities and social sciences?
• How can universities remain bastions of critical thought in the face of increasing polarisation, attempts to silence debate and disinformation?

By bringing together international journalists, literary scholars, philosophers, lawyers, political scientists and cultural historians, this study day aims to establish an interdisciplinary dialogue on these key issues. By taking the global spread of populism, reflected in Trump's victory, as a prism through which to address broader challenges, we hope to reaffirm the role of the humanities and social sciences in defending critical thinking and navigation in this era of value crises. This study day is envisaged as a pilot project for a wider symposium, with the aim of a publication to extend and disseminate the ideas generated.

👉 Découvrez le programme complet / Discover the full programme (.PDF format)

Video conferencing : https://bbb.univ-avignon.fr/rooms/wdz-c3i-myw-rbz/join