Journées Alain

Homage to the philosopher Alain

The Journées Alain pay tribute to Émile-Auguste Chartier, known as Alain (1868-1951), one of the most influential French philosophers of the 20th century, born in Mortagne-au-Perche on March 3, 1868. Author of the famous Propos, a teacher at Lycée Henri-IV in Paris, a thinker of the Republic, education, and happiness, Alain has marked generations of intellectuals and remains a major figure in French philosophy.

A High-Level Colloquium

On Saturday afternoon, a colloquium brings together philosophers, historians, and academics to discuss themes related to Alain's work. The presentations explore the different facets of his thought:

Varied Themes

Each edition addresses subjects that resonate Alain's philosophy with contemporary issues. The 2025 edition notably explored "The Lesson of Homer in Alain and Simone Weil" with Emmanuel Blondel, "Thinking Economics with Alain" with Samuel Ferey, and "Republican Education in Alain and Jaurès" with Tao-Lue. Jean-Marie Lochet asked: "Would a school inspired by Alain function better?"

Shows and Readings

The Journées Alain are not solely an academic event. They also offer live performances that bring the philosopher's work to life. In 2025, the show "Faisons lente route avec Alain" (Let's take a slow road with Alain), inspired by the Propos d'un Normand, was directed by François Podetti and performed by the actor Yann Bernabot, offering a sensitive and accessible approach to Alain's thought.

Conferences and Testimonials

Sunday is dedicated to conferences and historical testimonials related to the history of Mortagne-au-Perche and its inhabitants. In 2025, Claude Boitard presented the journey of two Mortagne residents who went from the S.T.O. (Compulsory Work Service) to concentration camps, recalling the humanist dimension dear to Alain's thought.

The Birthplace of Alain

The town of Mortagne-au-Perche is home to the birthplace of the philosopher Alain, a listed historic monument. A museum is dedicated to him, presenting documents, manuscripts, and personal objects that shed light on the thinker's life and work. The Journées Alain are an opportunity to (re)discover this place of memory.