Marc Bloch : Parcours d’un historien en sociologie

The presentation offers a sophisticated and well-researched analysis of Marc Bloch’s intellectual identity, particularly his engagement with sociology. Pébarthe demonstrates deep familiarity with primary sources, such as Bloch’s letters and the fourth cover of ‘La Société féodale’, as well as with the secondary literature, including recent works like Peter Schöttler’s biography. The argument is carefully constructed, using the 1945 commemoration by the Institut français de sociologie as a starting point to highlight the shifting perception of Bloch. The speaker’s attention to terminology—such as the distinction between ‘history as a social science’ and ‘history with the social sciences’—adds nuance and demonstrates a rigorous approach. The analysis of the relationship between Bloch and Febvre is particularly insightful, showing how Febvre’s later prominence and Braudel’s influence led to a divergence from Bloch’s more sociologically oriented vision. The talk also raises important questions about the current state of interdisciplinary work between history and sociology, noting that while collaboration exists, few historians explicitly identify as sociologists. The speaker’s own background as an ancient historian brings a fresh perspective, though it also means he occasionally relies on analogies from his own field. The presentation is well-structured, with clear signposting and a logical flow. However, it is primarily an expert opinion rather than a systematic review, and the lack of direct citations to specific works in the talk may limit its utility for those seeking to verify claims. Overall, the talk is intellectually stimulating and contributes to a deeper understanding of Bloch’s legacy, but it would benefit from more explicit references to sources for a broader audience.

The title accurately reflects the content, which traces Marc Bloch's intellectual trajectory and his relationship with sociology.

8/10

The speaker is a qualified historian (maître de conférences) and provides a nuanced, well-argued analysis based on primary sources and scholarly literature. The presentation is academic, with careful attention to terminology and historical context. Minor limitations include the lack of direct citations to specific works in the talk, but the overall rigor is high.

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

• 00:00Introduction: speaker introduces himself and the topic of Marc Bloch's relationship with sociology.
• 02:00Discussion of the 1945 commemoration of Bloch by the Institut français de sociologie.
• 05:00Analysis of how Bloch is currently perceived by medievalists and in public discourse.
• 08:00Examination of Bloch's self-descriptions, including his refusal to be exclusively a medievalist.
• 10:00Discussion of the influence of Durkheimian sociology on Bloch and the tensions with Febvre.
• 15:00Exploration of the post-war evolution of the Annales school and Braudel's role.
• 20:00Reflection on the current state of history-sociology relations and the legacy of Bloch.

• La Société féodale — Bloch's book, whose fourth cover he wrote, describing himself as historian, sociologist, and psychologist.
• Peter Schöttler's biography of Marc Bloch — Recent biography that the speaker mentions having read, providing insights into Bloch's life.

• The Historian's Craft — Bloch's posthumous work, often cited to understand his methodology and views on history.

• Fernand Braudel's writings — Braudel's emphasis on long-term structures and his preference for Febvre's model may contrast with Bloch's more sociological approach.