There is now a rather vigorous pro-animal movement in France, of which quite a few are interested in serious philosophical topics, including utilitarianism.

I have spread the word among them about the existence of this forum, and several are interested, but will not participate because it is in English.

So I thought it could be a good idea if there was a French-language section here. It could also serve as a bridge between the English-speaking and French-speaking worlds. (I regret that despite Internet, there still are a lot of language and culture barriers.)

(There is also some interest in France among academic circles; like those in the Centre Bentham. I haven't contacted them, but a couple of the more open-minded might be interested).

Thoughts?

David

Can you be more specific? I'm certainly happy to try something, but what are you thinking about - a single forum, a subsection for French-speakers, or something more/less ambitious?

I'd say a section on the same level as "COMMUNITY" / "BOOKS" / "REASON" / ... I don't think it really matters that much. The section will be what the users make of it; it's hard to predict.

I'd create a French forum instantly if some more French speakers came online and asked for one. Although they haven't yet, really, I'd be comfortable with creating a French subforum on a trial basis. Your thoughts?

Hello,
I'm French and I'm interested in a french-language section on this forum. Indeed my english is too poor to follow philosophical discussions in english.
Thank you.

Joris

Hi Joris. Happy to see you here!

Let's do it. We can start with just one forum so it's not too diluted - 'Francophone utilitarians' or something?

Hi Joris, It's be great to make a place for you to discuss utilitarianism.

I suppose you two might prefer we name the forum in French?

It could be in both languages, while keeping it short. I'd suggest:

"French-language forum - forum francophone"

Or:

"For French speakers - pour les francophones"

Or:

"In French - en français"

If I understand correctly, a "forum" is on the level of, for instance, "Welcome to FF", whereas a "section" is for instance, the level above that? If so, in what section would the French-language forum be created? in "Community"?

That's correct, but we could try making a section for French-language speakers. David, can you give us some French description copy, as well? (probably not much point in translating it to English, unless you think it says something particularly important for non-French speakers to know)

Once we've got that and a definite name (which should probably mention util, or at least consequentialism imo), we can put it up.

Hello,

I would be interested by a French language section. I'm not sure to take part in the discussions but I'm interested in reading them.

If there are to few French speaking members, maybe a bilingual section could be a first step : people are allowed to wrtite in their native language (French or English)

I should point out that people can write in any language they like anywhere on this forum! That doesn't mean a forum dedicated to speakers of a particular language is a bad idea, though...

Hi Estiva! I hope you will participate, and not only in the French language section!

Arepo wrote:I should point out that people can write in any language they like anywhere on this forum!

I think that's great, and worth saying (it's always good to encourage multiculturalism), but I'm not sure it can have much practical effects.

Arepo wrote:David, can you give us some French description copy, as well? (probably not much point in translating it to English, unless you think it says something particularly important for non-French speakers to know)

Once we've got that and a definite name (which should probably mention util, or at least consequentialism imo), we can put it up.

Well... Let me suggest:

Title: "Utilitarisme en français"

Description: "L'utilitarisme, contrairement à ce qu'on croit, n'est pas un gros mot en français! Section ouverte à tous, destinée principalement aux francophones."

("Utilitarianism, despite what is thought, is not a dirty word in French! Section open to all, intended mainly for French-speakers.")

Ok, I've put it up as a forum under 'reason', mainly from laziness - I can't remember or easily see how to create a new section. But if you think it's getting lost too easily, I can figure it out...

joris wrote:Hello,
I'm French and I'm interested in a french-language section on this forum. Indeed my english is too poor to follow philosophical discussions in english.
Thank you.

Joris

I'm interested too. And very bad in english, so...

Ok, I've given it its own section, so if a lot of people get interested we can make multiple French forums, and to make it slightly more visible from the forum overview screen. Do people prefer it this way?

Several months on, it seems clear that there's not yet enough demand for a French Language Felicifia forum. If you agree, Arepo, feel free to remove it. More French Utilitarians may come later, just not yet.

edit: The Francophones Forum has now been deleted, and the thread moved into Applied Ethics. Discussion in French is still welcomed, and it may one day regain its own forum.