The publication of "Husserl, sa vie, son œuvre" in 1964 marked an early contribution by René Schérer to the rigorous study of phenomenology. As a French philosopher and historian of ideas, Schérer dedicated his century-long life to examining the intersections of pedagogy, social structures, and the philosophical underpinnings of human interaction through a prolific academic career.
Academic Formation and Early Work
Schérer began his intellectual training at the École Normale Supérieure. His initial focus centered on the translation and analysis of foundational phenomenological texts. Between 1958 and 1963, he worked on the four-volume translation and presentation of Edmund Husserl’s "Recherches logiques," collaborating with Hubert Elie and Ariel Lothar Kelkel. This period established his professional grounding in the history of philosophy, which eventually led to his tenure as a professor emeritus at the University of Paris.
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Beyond phenomenology, Schérer explored various political and social themes, notably through his interest in Charles Fourier. His 1970 work "Charles Fourier ou la Contestation globale" initiated a long-standing engagement with Fourierist thought, later revisited in "L'Écosophie de Charles Fourier" in 2001. His academic life was also defined by key collaborations, particularly with Guy Hocquenghem. Together, they explored unconventional topics, including the 1976 work "Co-Ire: album systématique de l'enfance" and "L'Âme atomique" in 1986.
Themes of Education and Hospitality
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Schérer published extensively on the philosophy of childhood and sexuality. Titles such as "Émile perverti ou Des rapports entre l'éducation et la sexualité" and "L'Emprise. Des enfants entre nous" reflected his critical approach to social norms and educational practices. Later in his career, he expanded his research to include the ethics of hospitality, culminating in works like "Zeus hospitalier. Éloge de l'hospitalité" in 1993 and "Hospitalités" in 2004.
Fast facts
- Born: 1922, Tulle
- Died: 1 February 2023, 14th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Education: École Normale Supérieure
- Career: Philosopher, historian, university teacher
- Academic affiliation: University of Paris
- Siblings: Éric Rohmer (1920–2010)
Questions readers ask
What subjects did René Schérer study most?
He focused on the history of philosophy, phenomenology, the work of Charles Fourier, and social themes regarding childhood and hospitality.
Did René Schérer hold a university position?
Yes, he was a professor emeritus at the University of Paris.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Paris
- Fields: philosophy and history of philosophy
