[SPHePS] P. Maniglier, "Sciences sauvages: pour décoloniser l'épistémologie" (2025/09/24)

[SPHePS] P. Maniglier, "Sciences sauvages: pour décoloniser l'épistémologie" (2025/09/24)

by Patrice Maniglier

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Science — General & History GTInterdisciplinary studiesGTSDecolonisation of knowledge
🎙 Patrice Maniglier 👥 1K 📅 October 19, 2025 ⏱ 119 min 👁 763 📄 lecture 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

sciences sauvagesépistémologiestructuralismedécolonisationsavoirs autochtones

Summary

In this first session of the SPHePS seminar for 2025-2026, Patrice Maniglier introduces the theme of ‘sciences sauvages’ (wild sciences). He begins by situating the seminar within the broader structuralist tradition, referencing his concept of ‘Dionysian structuralism’ and the influence of Lévi-Strauss and Deleuze. The core argument is that the common distinction between modern science and vernacular or indigenous knowledge is problematic. Maniglier critiques the typical approach of complementing modern science with indigenous knowledge, which often translates and reduces indigenous practices to mere superstition or practical wisdom. He argues that this is insulting and repeats a colonial gesture. Instead, he proposes, following Lévi-Strauss’s ‘The Savage Mind’, that there are two types of science: modern and ‘wild’. He insists that the term ‘science’ should not be monopolized by modern practices, and that a true epistemology must recognize the existence of sciences in all cultures. He also mentions a planned engagement with Bruno Latour’s critique of Lévi-Strauss in ‘We Have Never Been Modern’. The lecture sets the stage for the year’s seminar, which will explore the concept of ‘sciences sauvages’ in depth.

180 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture offers a valuable and original perspective on the relationship between modern science and indigenous knowledge. Maniglier’s argument is well-constructed, moving from a critique of common approaches to a proposal for a more symmetrical epistemology. He effectively uses examples (e.g., the butcher’s map of Paris) to illustrate his points. The argumentation is solid, drawing on philosophical authorities and engaging with potential counterarguments (e.g., Latour’s critique). However, the lecture is introductory and does not yet provide a full defense of the concept of ‘sciences sauvages’, leaving some questions open for future sessions.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture demonstrates high scientific rigor, with clear references to Lévi-Strauss’s ‘The Savage Mind’ and Latour’s ‘We Have Never Been Modern’. Maniglier also mentions other scholars like Isabelle Stengers and Philippe Descola. The sources are used appropriately to support the argument. The title accurately reflects the content, and the lecture is well-structured. The description provides context and links to the seminar series, but no specific external sources are listed in the video description.

180 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: the lecture introduces the concept of 'sciences sauvages' as a way to decolonize epistemology, aligning with the description.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The lecture is given by a recognized philosopher (Patrice Maniglier) in an academic setting (ENS Paris), and it engages with established philosophical works (Lévi-Strauss, Latour). The argument is well-structured and references specific texts, though it is primarily an interpretive lecture rather than a peer-reviewed study.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • La Pensée sauvage — Referenced as the basis for the concept of 'sciences sauvages'.
  • Nous n'avons jamais été modernes — Referenced for Latour's critique of Lévi-Strauss.

Concurring Sources

  • La Pensée sauvage — Lévi-Strauss's work supports the idea of two types of science.

Dissenting Sources

  • Nous n'avons jamais été modernes — Latour's critique of Lévi-Strauss is presented as a potential disagreement, which Maniglier plans to address.

Contribution & Novelties

The lecture proposes a novel concept, ‘sciences sauvages’, to decolonize epistemology by refusing to reserve the term ‘science’ for modern practices. It challenges the common approach of complementing modern science with indigenous knowledge, arguing that this is a colonial gesture. The lecture also sets up a critical dialogue with Bruno Latour’s interpretation of Lévi-Strauss.

Pour aller plus loin :

86 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quantity and quality of information, with a moderate technical level. The lecture is rich in content and well-argued, but it is introductory and may require prior knowledge of structuralism.

Reliability 8/10