Le Plaisir d'exister
Olivier L. Brunet
2007 - 52 min - DV Cam - Couleur - France

The Popular University of Caen hosts an original experiment that requires no registration, no fees and is open to all. Initiated in 2002 by the defrocked philosopher of national education, Michel Onfray, it offers "disciples" highly specialized courses in "ethical hedonism" – as well as classes in cinema, political sciences, psychoanalysis and, more improbably, the history of feminist ideas, classical jazz and a courses in philosophy for children aged seven and up. More "serious" than the philosophy cafe and less elitist than the official university, it delivers no diplomas, unless it is that of good living. This in the aim of fulfilling Epicure’s dream and attaining supreme satisfaction: "pleasure for pleasure’s sake."