Lecture: “Speech Belongs Half to the Speaker, Half to the Listener” – Montaigne and the Question of Civil War
Guest Lecturer: Professor Antoine Compagnon, Professor of French and Comparative Literature, Collège de France and Columbia University
What insights does Montaigne offer on coexistence amidst social conflict?
The Institute of Advanced Studies is honored to host Professor Antoine Compagnon as part of the Lowy Distinguished Guest Professors program.
As part of this special guest lecture, Professor Compagnon will deliver a lecture titled “Speech Belongs Half to the Speaker, Half to the Listener” – Montaigne and the Question of Civil War. Prof. Compagnon’s lecture will explore Montaigne’s perspective on social conflict and the struggle for coexistence, highlighting key ideas in his writings and their continuing relevance today. He will examine how Montaigne balances the roles of speaker and listener in shaping understanding during times of civil unrest, offering insights into the enduring challenges of dialogue, empathy, and civic life.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 16:00–18:00
Where: Room 496, Gilman Building
A Q&A session will follow
Moderator: Prof. Michele Kahan, Department of Literature.
The lecture will be conducted in English and is open to the public.
Light refreshments will be served before the lecture.
Click here to see the invitation >
