Teaching olfaction at the time of the 'sensual turn'. The case of Pierre Bénard

Abstract

[EN] Teaching olfaction is changing these days as the olfaction professional world. The 'sensual turn' studied by Howes(2003) reveals the regain of interest in this badly loved sense. We focus on teaching olfaction in higher education with the case of Pierre Bénard: a perfumer, an expert in raw materials, an olfactory manager, and a teacher. This case gives an overview of an unknown field: teaching in olfaction and opens a new research field: education sciences in olfaction. We used a semi-directive interview in a clinical orientation and different exchanges in a cooperative methodology to collect new knowledge transmitted in higher education. By his way of considering olfaction, teaching, and art as a unique way to live, the singular course of Pierre Bénard seems symptomatic of this ‘sensual turn’.