Standard academic philosophy—what Onfray calls the "official history"—is largely a history of the victors. It focuses on the "Holy Trinity" of rationalism: Socrates, Plato, and the Judeo-Christian tradition that followed. It prioritizes the soul over the body, the afterlife over the present, and transcendence over immanence.
Onfray’s Contre-histoire flips the script. He excavates the philosophers who were marginalized, ignored, or actively suppressed by the academic and religious establishments. His mission is to construct a "hedonistic" genealogy of thought that celebrates the material world, the body, pleasure, and radical liberty.
Finding "Michel Onfray la contrehistoire de la philosophie audio 16 full" is more than a search query. It is an intellectual ritual. It means carving out 75 minutes of your day, putting on headphones, and allowing a 65-year-old French heretic to walk you through the darkest and most vibrant corners of the Enlightenment.
You will hear a door slam on the idea of universal morality. You will hear a window open onto a philosophy where pleasure is the only good and pain the only evil. And when the track ends—with Onfray’s characteristic abrupt "C’est tout pour aujourd’hui" (That’s all for today)—you will not be the same person who pressed play.
Whether you become an Onfray disciple or a furious opponent, one thing is certain: after listening to audio 16, you can no longer claim that philosophy is boring, irrelevant, or confined to universities. It is alive, dangerous, and, for the first time, told from the side of the losers, the heretics, and the bodies in revolt.
Seek out the full version. Listen carefully. And decide for yourself.
Note to the reader: The exact numbering of CDs may vary between the original Frémeaux 24-CD complete box (ISBN 978-2-84468-087-5) and later reissues. Always verify the track listing for "Volume 4 – Les Ultras des Lumières" to ensure you have the correct lecture on Diderot and Sade.
Volume 16 of Michel Onfray’s Contre-histoire de la philosophie
(Counter-History of Philosophy) marks a pivotal and controversial chapter in his overarching project: the deconstruction of Sigmund Freud and the foundations of psychoanalysis. In this volume, titled "
", Onfray continues his "atheology" of the psyche, shifting focus from the history of philosophy to the history of a "scientific" myth. The Core Narrative: Dismantling the Freud Myth
Onfray’s narrative in Volume 16 is not a traditional biography, but a philosophical "detective story" that seeks to expose what he considers the great deception of the 20th century.
The "Intellectual War": Consistent with his view that writing history is an "act of war," Onfray frames psychoanalysis as an ideological fortress built on silence and the exclusion of dissenting voices.
The Invention of a Legend: He argues that Freud carefully curated his own image—burning early letters and suppressing clinical failures—to present himself as a lonely, heroic explorer of the unconscious.
A "Secular Religion": Volume 16 explores how psychoanalysis functioned less as a science and more as a dogmatic, cult-like system. Onfray examines the "excommunications" of early followers who challenged Freud's central dogmas (like the Oedipus complex). Key Themes Covered
Clinical Reality vs. Theory: Onfray contrasts Freud’s published "success stories" with the actual clinical outcomes of his patients, suggesting that many were never cured or were even harmed.
The Authoritarian Structure: He details the internal politics of the early psychoanalytic movement, showing how Freud demanded total loyalty and viewed disagreement as personal betrayal.
The Hidden Influences: Part of the "counter-history" involves showing how Freud borrowed heavily from "unscientific" sources—such as occultism and Victorian morality—while claiming to be a rigorous Darwinian scientist. Why This Volume Matters
In the context of the series, Volume 16 is where Onfray applies his materialist and hedonist lens to the modern mind. He suggests that by "over-interpreting" the soul through a Freudian lens, Western civilization became trapped in a "great neurosis" that devalues actual physical and sensory reality. If you're interested, I can provide more detail on:
The specific case studies (like the "Wolfman") that Onfray critiques.
How this volume connects to his earlier critiques of Christianity and Platonism.
The controversy and backlash this volume caused in French intellectual circles.
Let me know how you'd like to dive deeper into this critique. V16: Contre Histoire Philosophie: Michel Onfray - Amazon.ca
Volume 16 of Michel Onfray's Contre-histoire de la philosophie (audio series) is titled
. This volume concludes his critical analysis of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis, following the first part in Volume 15. Content of Volume 16
In this 13-CD set, Onfray examines Freud's later life and the ideological structures of psychoanalysis, often echoing themes from his controversial book Le Crépuscule d'un idole
(The Twilight of an Idol). Key areas of focus typically include: Amazon.com The "Nietzschean" Freud:
Analyzing how Freud adapted or obscured philosophical predecessors. Psychoanalysis as "Religion":
Critique of the movement's institutional behavior and dogmas. Biographical critique:
Looking at Freud’s relationship with power and political figures during the interwar period. Availability and Format The full set is published by Frémeaux & Associés in collaboration with France Culture. Text Version:
While there isn't a single "paper" transcript of just Volume 16, Onfray's written Contre-histoire series (published by
) covers these topics across its 10+ volumes. The specific Freud critique is most directly found in the standalone book Freud: Le Crépuscule d'un idole
Contre-histoire de la philosophie N° 16: Freud (2) - Amazon
Report on “Michel Onfray – La Contrehistoire de la Philosophie – Audio 16 (Full)”
Why, nearly two decades after its recording, does this specific audio continue to command attention?
Because Lecture 16 sits at the crossroads of Onfray’s entire philosophical project. It is the moment where the Classical world (Epicurus) crashes into the Renaissance (Bruno) to foreshadow the Enlightenment (Diderot, Sade). Without listening to this full lecture, you miss: Note to the reader: The exact numbering of
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The search for "michel onfray la contrehistoire de la philosophie audio 16 full" is not merely a quest for a file. It is a quest for a different way of doing philosophy—one that takes sides, that feels historical pain, and that celebrates the flesh as the only site of meaning.
Whether you purchase the official MP3 from the Université Populaire or brave the archival depths of Radio France, set aside 78 minutes. Put on headphones. Let Onfray’s voice guide you through the fires of the Counter-Reformation, the poetry of the atom, and the laughing ghosts of libertines long silenced.
After you finish Lecture 16, you will never hear the name "Plato" the same way again.
Further Resources:
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Michel Onfray’s La contre-histoire de la philosophie , Volume 16, specifically focuses on the radical critique of Sigmund Freud and the foundations of psychoanalysis. Titled Le Crépuscule d'une idole
(The Twilight of an Idol), this volume marks a significant shift in Onfray’s series from rehabilitating forgotten materialists to deconstructing a modern intellectual titan. Core Thesis: Deconstructing the Freudian Myth
In this 12-CD audio collection, Onfray argues that psychoanalysis is not a rigorous science but rather a "secular religion" or a "literary mythology". He challenges the traditional hagiography of Freud by examining: Audible.fr The "Black Legend" of Freud:
Onfray uses Freud's private correspondence and early clinical failures to argue that Freud often manipulated data and "invented" cures that never actually happened. Ideological Foundations:
He posits that psychoanalysis is deeply rooted in 19th-century psychology and biology, rather than being a revolutionary discovery of the unconscious. Political Implications:
Onfray critiques Freud’s perceived authoritarianism and his complex relationship with political power, suggesting that the structure of psychoanalysis mirrors a cult-like hierarchy. Frémeaux & Associés Structure of the Audio Series The audio format captures Onfray’s live lectures at the Université Populaire de Caen
, characterized by his improvised, clear, and "buissonnière" (unconventional) teaching style. Frémeaux & Associés 12 audio CDs (approximately 13-15 hours of lecture). Historical Context:
This volume follows his previous explorations of hedonism and atheism, applying these critical lenses to the "idols" of the 20th century. Educational Philosophy:
The lectures aim to democratize philosophy, making complex critical history accessible to the general public without academic gatekeeping. Radio France Philosophical Impact By including Freud in his Contre-histoire
, Onfray seeks to "demythologize" a thinker he believes has held a near-monopoly on the Western understanding of the mind. He advocates for a return to materialist psychology
—one grounded in biology and neurosciences—over what he considers the "magical thinking" of psychoanalysis. Frémeaux & Associés chapter-by-chapter summary of the 12 discs, or would you like more details on Onfray’s specific evidence against Freud? V16: Contre Histoire Philosophie: Michel Onfray - Amazon.ca
The review likely refers to Volume 16 of Michel Onfray's Contre-histoire de la philosophie (Counter-History of Philosophy) , produced by Frémeaux & Associés, which is titled "Freud (2)"
This audio series is a key part of Onfray’s massive project to re-examine Western philosophy through a materialist, hedonist, and atheist lens, focusing on thinkers often ignored or dismissed by academic history Frémeaux & Associés
Here are the key points regarding this specific audio release: Content (Freud Vol. 2):
This volume continues Onfray’s critical, often controversial, examination of Sigmund Freud, analyzing his work and its impact on the 20th century Frémeaux & Associés
It is a 13-CD audio box set (often referred to as "full" or "complete" sets) comprising lectures given at the Université Populaire de Caen Frémeaux & Associés
The audio recordings are known for being vivid and improvised, as Onfray speaks directly to an audience, providing a "living" philosophy rather than a dry academic lecture Accueil | Radio France Contre-histoire
series is largely viewed as a "parallel history of thought" that rehabilitates hédonistic and materialist traditions Frémeaux & Associés
This series is frequently praised for making philosophy accessible and engaging, though Onfray’s provocative style can be polarizing Frémeaux & Associés . It is available on
Volume 16 of Michel Onfray ’s audio series La Contre-histoire de la philosophie
(specifically titled Volume 16: Freud (2)) concludes his deep dive into Sigmund Freud and the psychoanalytic movement. This volume follows the provocative analysis begun in Volume 15, focusing on a critical "counter-history" that examines the philosophical implications of Freud’s work rather than just his therapeutic legacy. Key Themes and Content
The Philosophical Freud: Onfray treats Freud not just as a medical doctor but as a philosopher whose "metapsychology" is rooted in a specific ideological framework.
Deconstruction of Psychoanalysis: This volume explores the social and press phenomena sparked by Onfray’s critique of psychoanalysis, which he argues is often based on historical misunderstandings or the idealization of Freud.
Controversial Reception: The content in this volume is directly linked to the public debate following Onfray’s 2010 book Le Crépuscule d'une idole (The Twilight of an Idol), which used these lectures as a foundation to challenge Freud's status as a liberator. Technical Details
Format: A 13-CD box set featuring live recordings of lectures originally delivered at the Université Populaire de Caen.
Series Placement: Volume 16 is the second half of Cycle 8 (the "Freud" cycle) in the broader 13-cycle series.
Availability: You can find the full physical version through retailers like Amazon or specialty music stores like Plastic Head. Context of the Series
Onfray’s "Counter-History" project aims to recover "forgotten" or "repressed" philosophical traditions—such as hedonism, materialism, and atheism—that have been sidelined by the dominant Christian-Platonic history of Western thought. V16: Contre Histoire Philosophie: Michel Onfray - Amazon.ca Why, nearly two decades after its recording, does
Michel Onfray’s La Contre-histoire de la philosophie: A Deep Dive into Audio Volume 16
For followers of contemporary French thought, Michel Onfray is more than just a philosopher; he is a provocateur who has spent decades dismantling the "official" history of Western ideas. His monumental project, La Contre-histoire de la philosophie (The Counter-History of Philosophy), represents a lifetime of research aimed at rehabilitating the voices crushed by the dominant Platonic-Christian tradition.
If you are searching for "Michel Onfray la contre-histoire de la philosophie audio 16 full," you are likely looking for the specific chapter in this epic journey that transitions into the modern era, focusing on the radical thinkers of the 19th and early 20th centuries. What is the Contre-histoire?
Traditional philosophy curricula often follow a linear path: Plato, Descartes, Kant, Hegel. Onfray argues that this "historiography" is written by the victors—those who favored idealism, asceticism, and the soul over the body.
The Contre-histoire is his attempt to spotlight the hedonists, materialists, and atheists who were marginalized. Through a series of lectures originally delivered at the Université Populaire de Caen, Onfray provides a "biographical philosophy," connecting a thinker’s life directly to their ideas. Focus of Volume 16: The Radical Shift
While the series spans from the pre-Socratics to the present, Volume 16 typically settles into the complex landscape of the late 19th century or the transition into the "Masters of Suspicion."
In this segment of the audio series, listeners can expect Onfray to tackle:
The Critique of Religion: Moving beyond simple atheism into a rigorous psychological and sociological dismantling of the "divine."
The Materialist Body: A return to the importance of biology, desire, and the physical self as the primary site of philosophical inquiry.
Resistance to Hegelianism: Volume 16 often highlights thinkers who refused the "Totalitarianism of the Idea" in favor of individual existence. Why the Audio Format?
The "audio full" version of these lectures is particularly popular because of Onfray’s oratorical style. He doesn't just read a paper; he performs a lecture.
Accessibility: Complex ideas like "epistemological breaks" or "phenomenology" are explained in clear, vigorous French.
Context: Onfray spends significant time on the historical anecdotes of the philosophers' lives—their loves, their illnesses, and their political failings—making the philosophy feel alive. How to Approach Volume 16
To get the most out of this specific volume, it is helpful to have a basic grasp of the volumes preceding it. Onfray builds a narrative arc where each "rebel" philosopher stands on the shoulders of the one before.
If you are listening to the full audio, pay attention to his focus on "The Construction of the Self." Unlike academic philosophy which seeks universal truths, Onfray’s counter-history is a toolkit for the individual to build their own "atheological" life. Where to Find It
The full audio recordings of the Contre-histoire are widely available through:
Frémeaux & Associés: The official publisher of the boxed sets.
Podcast Archives: Various French cultural archives and radio stations (like France Culture) have hosted these lectures.
Streaming Services: Many volumes are indexed on major audio platforms under "Michel Onfray." Conclusion
Michel Onfray’s Volume 16 is not just a history lesson; it is a call to arms for intellectual independence. By listening to the "full" account of these marginalized thinkers, you aren't just learning what they thought—you’re learning how to think for yourself against the grain of tradition.
Michel Onfray’s La Contre-histoire de la philosophie, particularly Volume 16, represents a pivotal and controversial chapter in his career-long project to dismantle the traditional, "Platonized" history of Western thought. While the broader series aims to rehabilitate forgotten hedonist and materialist thinkers, Volume 16—titled Freud (2)—focuses specifically on a radical critique of Sigmund Freud and the foundations of psychoanalysis. The Project of Counter-History
Onfray’s overarching goal is to provide an alternative to the "official" history of philosophy, which he argues has been curated to favor asceticism, idealism, and religious conformity. In earlier volumes, he champions figures like Democritus and Epicurus. By the time he reaches the 20th century in Volume 16, his lens turns toward what he perceives as a new form of "secular religion": Freudianism. Summary of Volume 16: Freud (2)
Volume 16, released as a 13-CD box set by Frémeaux & Associés, continues the "exegesis of the Freudian body" started in Volume 15. The core themes of this volume include:
The Deconstruction of the Myth: Onfray treats Freud not as a rigorous scientist, but as a "philosophical autobiographer" who projected his personal neuroses onto a universal theory.
The Labyrinth of Therapy: He critiques the "magic" causality of the divan (the couch) and characterizes Freud's reported clinical successes as "paper healings".
Ideological Critique: Onfray examines Freud's darker political and social dimensions, touching on themes of phallocracy and controversial connections to figures like Mussolini and Dollfuss.
Alternative Psychoanalysis: The volume concludes by proposing the need for a "non-Freudian psychoanalysis" that aligns more closely with a materialist and hedonist worldview. Critical Reception and Legacy
Volume 16 is inextricably linked to Onfray’s 2010 book Le Crépuscule d'une idole (The Twilight of an Idol), which sparked a massive media firestorm in France. Professional psychoanalysts and critics accused him of being a "virulent" iconoclast, while Onfray maintained that his work was not about judging the benefits of therapy, but about deconstructing the historical "truth" of Freud as a figure.
Ultimately, Volume 16 of the audio series serves as a provocative invitation to view the 20th century's most influential psychological movement through the lens of radical skepticism.
Are you interested in a detailed breakdown of the specific lectures within this volume, or Contre-histoire de la philosophie (Volume 16.1) - Freud II
Volume 16 of Michel Onfray’s Contre-histoire de la philosophie
(released as part of the audio collection by Frémeaux & Associés) is the second of two volumes dedicated to a critical deconstruction of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis. Overview of Volume 16
This volume continues the "demystification" of Freud that began in Volume 15. Onfray argues that Freud’s work is not a rigorous science but a "secular hagiography" built on personal myths and clinical failures.
Format: A 13-CD box set containing approximately 15 hours of live lectures. he is writing a manifesto.
Core Argument: Onfray applies his "counter-history" method—which seeks to rescue forgotten materialist thinkers—to argue that psychoanalysis is an ideological construction rather than a medical discovery. Key Topics: The "manufacture" of clinical success stories.
Freud's relationship with power and his alleged authoritarianism within the psychoanalytic movement. The ideological underpinnings of the "Oedipus complex." Analysis & Reception
The series is widely praised for its orality and accessibility, bringing complex philosophical debates to a general audience through Onfray’s energetic and clear delivery. Contre-Histoire de La Philosophie Vol. 16 - Michel Onfray
Michel Onfray’s Contre-histoire de la philosophie is a landmark project that challenges the traditional "textbook" history of Western thought. The 16th volume (Audio 16) is a pivotal moment in this series, focusing on the radical shifts of the 19th and 20th centuries. 🧠 The Core Philosophy: "Counter-History"
Onfray argues that official history is written by the "winners"—typically those aligned with religious or state power.
The Goal: To revive forgotten, "cursed," or marginalized thinkers.
The Lens: Hedonism, atheism, materialism, and social liberation.
The Method: Deconstructing the "Platonic-Christian" dominance. 🎧 Insights from Volume 16
This specific installment often explores the "Construction of the Post-Christian World." It examines how thinkers began to build ethics and societies without a God or a King. 🌟 Key Themes
Individual Sovereignty: Moving away from collective religious identities.
The Body as Truth: Valuing physical existence over metaphysical abstractions.
Political Resistance: How philosophy fuels the fight against totalitarianism.
Existential Freedom: Creating meaning in a world that offers none by default. 🔦 Why This Audio Series Matters
Listening to Onfray is often described as attending a world-class university lecture from your living room.
Oral Tradition: Onfray’s style is conversational yet rigorous.
Accessibility: He avoids jargon, making complex ideas digestible.
Provocation: He forces listeners to question their own cultural biases. 🛠️ How to Utilize This Content
Active Listening: Take notes on names like Stirner, Nietzsche, or Camus.
Cross-Reference: Read the primary texts mentioned to form your own opinion.
Discussion: Use his arguments to spark debates on modern secularism.
Compare Onfray’s "Counter-History" with traditional philosophical timelines?
Help you find discussion questions for a study group based on these lectures?
The 16th volume of Michel Onfray’s La Contre-histoire de la philosophie
(The Counter-History of Philosophy) is a critical examination of Sigmund Freud and the foundations of psychoanalysis. Titled Freud (2), this audio collection serves as the second half of Onfray’s deep dive into the "Century of the Self," following Volume 15. Core Themes and Content
Released in 2011, this volume consists of live recordings from Onfray's lectures at the Université Populaire de Caen. Unlike traditional histories that celebrate Freud, Onfray applies his "counter-history" method to deconstruct what he views as the "Freudian myth".
Critique of the "Irational" Freud: Onfray examines Freud's interest in "magical causalities," including telepathy, spiritism, and numerology.
The Materialist Perspective: True to his own hedonistic and materialist philosophy, Onfray analyzes psychoanalysis through the lens of body denial versus bodily reality.
Clinical Analysis: The volume includes clinical examples and discussions on the "manifest content" of dreams and magical thinking as a substitute for scientific thought. Audio Edition Details
The audio version is published by Frémeaux & Associés and typically includes: Format: 13 Audio CDs.
Duration: Approximately 12 hours and 37 minutes of recorded material.
Narrator: Michel Onfray himself, delivering the lectures in his characteristic "incarnated" and improvisational style. Context in the Series
La Contre-histoire de la philosophie is a massive undertaking that ran from 2002 to 2015, resulting in 26 audio volumes that aim to rehabilitate forgotten materialist and atheist thinkers while critiquing dominant Platonic and Christian traditions. This specific volume on Freud corresponds to his controversial book, Le Crépuscule d'une idole (The Twilight of an Idol), which sparked significant debate in France upon its release. Michel Onfray - La Contre-histoire de la Philosophie L'Intégrale des 26 volumes. Frémeaux & Associés contre-histoire de - Amazon
Note: Onfray’s complete lecture series ran for over 30 hours across multiple “livres audio.” The “16th” audio typically falls within Tome 2 (Le Christianisme hédoniste) or Tome 3 (Les Libertins baroques). I will review based on the content of a representative Lecture 16 from the core project, focusing on his radical reinterpretation of a major figure (e.g., Lucrèce, Gassendi, or the libertins érudits).
No long article would be complete without noting the critiques. Many academic philosophers dismiss Onfray as a polemicist rather than a scholar. Specific to audio 16:
Onfray responds to these criticisms in later volumes and interviews (some of which are on audio 17). He admits he is not writing academic history; he is writing a manifesto.
Onfray begins by attacking the Platonic dominance. Instead of the idealism of Socrates, he champions the "Pre-Socratics" and the materialists.