"Non-coincidental" research to prepare for environmental and food crises

Just out 2 September 2024
What if we got off the beaten track in order to overcome environmental and food crises better? This is what this collective work (in French) suggests, based on the philosophical concept of "non-coincidence". Its authors reflect on research operations that leave room for initiatives and creativity, while still being anchored in existing models.
Brainstorming as part of a scientific project © R. Belmin, ÌÇÐÄVlog
Brainstorming as part of a scientific project © R. Belmin, ÌÇÐÄVlog

Brainstorming as part of a scientific project © R. Belmin, ÌÇÐÄVlog

Une recherche dé-coïncidente pour se préparer aux crises environnementales et alimentaires, éditions Quae (Couverture)

The great fragility of ecosystems serving to support food production calls for an alternative debate about scientific research methods, and a daring analysis of the public policies required to feed the planet, in an environment that is increasingly hostile to agricultural production.

To preserve the food ecosystems that are essential for human development, this book presents forward-thinking visions and foresight analyses based on the "non-coincidence" concept developed by the philosopher François Jullien. This search for creative sense beyond the coincidences of common sense, of "déjà-vu", is an invitation to rethink how agricultural or environmental research is organized, to encourage "out of the box" initiatives.

It is necessary to introduce new forms of research structuring, and to plan for the worst, notably by imagining head-on extreme configurations in which food production would become impossible in "natural" environments. With a view to developing innovative solutions and effective public policies, this book suggests three non-coincidental trials aimed at designing pathways that would serve to prepare ourselves for future transformations.

Une recherche dé-coïncidente pour se préparer aux crises environnementales et alimentaires
Caroline Lejars and Stéphan Marette (scientific coordination)
Éditions Quae