Science Café: "Fear: a driving force or an inhibitor?"

March 11, 2026, 8:00 p.m. - March 11, 2026, 9:30 p.m.

On March 11, 2026, at 8 p.m. at the MJC in Chambéry, the scientific culture association Science Actions is organizing a meeting on the theme "Fear: motivator or inhibitor?"

ABOUT THE MEETING

Fear is a universal emotion that profoundly influences our behavior.
Sometimes it drives us to act, to surpass ourselves, to anticipate danger. Other times, it blocks us, paralyzes us, or prevents us from daring to do anything. How can we define fear? Is it a driving force that pushes us toward action, or a brake that holds us back? How does fear affect our personal, professional, and athletic lives? Can we learn to transform it into a strength rather than an obstacle?

This coffee debate invites discussion to better understand the complex role of fear.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

  • Cyrille Lips: Philosopher
  • José Falco: sixth dan master of aikido
  • Gérard Guerrier: engineer-diver, business leader, and mountain enthusiast. Author of several books, including his latest, "L’éloge de la peur" (In Praise of Fear), which he will be signing at the end of the coffee break.
  • Laurent Vercueil: researcher at the Laboratory of Psychology and Neurocognition (LPNC) at UGA
  • Pascal Hot: professor and researcher at the Laboratory of Psychology and Neurocognition (LPNC) at the University of Munich

ABOUT SCIENCE CAFÉS

Science Cafés allow the general public to discuss a wide range of topics, often related to current events, with experts and researchers in a friendly atmosphere. They are organized by the Science-Actions association, in collaboration with the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, the city of Chambéry, the Astrée cinema, and the MJC youth center in Chambéry.

These evenings are organized around the principle of a debate, which is based on questions asked by the audience to the speakers. They are neither lectures nor conferences given by a speaker. They allow everyone to form their own opinion on often complex subjects for which there is no simple or single solution. They also provide an opportunity to learn more about the research being carried out locally in the Chambéry area and neighboring regions by researchers, engineers, and doctors who volunteer their time to participate in our evenings.

Once a quarter, Cafés Science takes the form of a movie screening called Ciné Science. In this case, the film is shown at the Astrée cinema at 8:30 p.m. It is followed by a discussion with two or three experts on the film's theme.

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