Workshop on non-ocularcentric theories, Michel Serres and Sauternes of Château d’Yquem

The challenges posed by digital sensor couplings for olfactory and gustatory perception raise the question of the philosophy of perception and its properties with renewed urgency: Can there be analytical reflection on qualities and, conversely, other forms of reflection on sensory perception—a reflection that, in light of such sensors, both takes olfactory and gustatory perception seriously and can be used to approach this technical condition of sensory mediality?

The workshop on November 24, 2025, focused on exploring theories that enable a non-ocularcentric approach to perception and technology (presented by Jens Schröter). This discussion was further explored using the work of Michel Serres, an exemplary thinker on the senses, and his book The Five Senses (presented by Felix Hüttemann), among others. in relation to his theory of power and the taste of sovereign exercise of power (presented by Friedrich Balke) and a wine that is central to Serres in particular, as well as to wine and cultural history in general, the Sauternes of Château d’Yquem (presented by Peter Jakob).