Olivier Donatien Rey, born in Nantes in 1964, operates at the intersection of applied mathematics and the philosophy of science. His career is defined by an examination of the role science plays within contemporary society, extending beyond technical inquiry to investigate the ethical implications of transhumanism and the emergence of statistical dominance in the modern world.
Academic Background and Affiliations
Rey completed his education at the École polytechnique. He maintains a long-standing professional connection with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), where he serves as a researcher. He is also currently affiliated with the Institut d'histoire et de philosophie des sciences et des techniques (IHPST), a collaborative research unit established between the CNRS and the University Paris-1-Sorbonne.
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His bibliography consists of diverse essays and books focused on societal shifts influenced by scientific progress. Notable works include 'Itinéraire de l'égarement. Du rôle de la science dans l'absurdité contemporaine' (2003) and 'Une folle solitude. Le fantasme de l'homme auto-construit' (2006). He has also explored thematic intersections of morality and literature in 'Le Testament de Melville: Penser le bien et le mal avec Billy Budd' (2011). His analytical output extends to environmental and societal issues in 'Une question de taille' (2014), 'Quand le monde s'est fait nombre' (2016), 'Réparer l'eau' (2022), and 'Défécondité. Ses raisons, sa déraison' (2025).
Criticism and Recognition
Rey has received formal recognition for his contributions to philosophical discourse. In 2014, he was awarded the Prix Bristol des Lumières for his work 'Une question de taille'. The following year, the Institut de France presented him with the Grand prix of the fondation Prince Louis de Polignac for his collective oeuvre. Additionally, his critical study on transhumanism, 'Leurre et malheur du transhumanisme' (2018), earned him the Prix Jacques Ellul in 2019.
Literary Fiction
In addition to his academic and philosophical essays, Rey has authored works of fiction. His novels include 'Le Bleu du sang', published by Flammarion in 1994, and 'Après la chute', which was released by Pierre-Guillaume de Roux Éditions in 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Nantes, France
- Education: École polytechnique
- Current Affiliation: CNRS, IHPST
- Major Award: Prix Bristol des Lumières (2014)
- Major Award: Prix Jacques Ellul (2019)
- Notable Book: Une question de taille (2014)
- Notable Book: Leurre et malheur du transhumanisme (2018)
- Language: French
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Olivier Rey's research?
His work concentrates on the influence of science on contemporary society, encompassing the emergence of statistics and the ethics surrounding transhumanism.
With which institutions is Olivier Rey affiliated?
He is affiliated with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Institut d'histoire et de philosophie des sciences et des techniques (IHPST).
Achievements
- Held posts at National Center for Scientific Research
