Thesis Defense by Amaury Giraud

Mr. Amaury Giraud defended his dissertation, “Reflecting on Conservatism on the Left: Genesis, History, Current Relevance, and Paradigmatic Continuities of a Unique Political Philosophy,” on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Abstract: In recent years, a new form of critical thinking appears to be emerging among the intellectual left in France, Europe, and even the United States. Drawing primarily on a Marxist-style analytical framework, a number of essayists and public figures are attempting, work after work, speech after speech, to develop an interpretation of the world that, in many respects, embodies the characteristics of a conservative ideology. To attempt to understand and elucidate the mechanisms driving this hypothetical “movement,” as well as to trace its historical and philosophical trajectory, we will draw upon numerous authors such as Charles Péguy, Simone Weil, George Orwell, Michel Clouscard, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Régis Debray, Jaime Semprun, Christopher Lasch, Jean-Claude Michéa, Paul Ariès, Michel Onfray, Denis Collin, Alain Finkielkraut, and many others. Although the question of the existence of a conservative left will serve as the central theme of our study, we will also undertake an analysis of conservative anti-liberalism, which we will contrast here with progressive anti-liberalism.

Summary: For several years now, a new school of critical thought has been emerging among the intellectual left in France, Europe, and the United States. Drawing primarily on a Marxist perspective, many essayists and public figures are attempting to develop an analysis of the world that, to a greater or lesser extent, highlights the characteristics of conservative ideology. In an effort to understand and explain the mechanisms that make this potential “movement” a functioning one, and also to trace its historical and philosophical roots, we will draw upon and quote numerous writers such as Charles Péguy, Simone Weil, George Orwell, Michel Clouscard, Paolo Pasolini, Régis Debray, Jaime Semprún, Christopher Lasch, Jean-Claude Mlchéa, Paul Ariès, Michel Onfray, Denis Collin, Alain Finkielkraut, and many others. Even though the goal of our work will be to demonstrate the existence of a left-conservative political philosophy, we will also conduct an exegesis of conservative illiberalism, here considered as the opposite of progressive illiberalism.

Keywords: Conservatism, Left, Anti-liberalism, Socialism, Political fringes, Marxism

Jury members:

• Mr. Eric SAVARESE, University of Montpellier, Thesis Advisor
• Mr. Alexandre VIALA, University of Montpellier, Thesis Co-Advisor
• Mr. Eric DESMONS, University of Paris XIII – Sorbonne Paris Nord, Rapporteur
• Mr. Patrick TROUDE-CHASTENET, University of Bordeaux, Rapporteur
• Mr. Bruno DAUGERON, University of Paris V – Descartes, Examiner
• Mr. Alexandre DÉZÉ, University of Montpellier, Examiner