Are works of art realities like any other? Can desire be satisfied with reality? What do we gain from working? Here are some topics that 500,000 high school graduates pondered this morning. Surprise, relief, or anxiety. Candidates gather in front of their high schools to discuss the four hours spent at their desks trying to compose.
In Cannes, near Bristol and Carnot High Schools
The baccalaureate started this morning with the first test: philosophy. Weighted as 3, 4, or 7, depending on whether you are in the S, ES, or L stream, it’s one of the toughest exams. It’s impossible to predict the score. No memorization or calculations, just logic and inspiration. An original composition that will influence the results for some, for others just a formality that will scrape a few points. Candidates seem to share their thoughts. The pressure is on, they cluster outside the examination halls where desks are properly arranged. Many lack patience and are eager to discover the topics.
Claire, from the L series, cigarette in hand, feels rather relaxed and calm before starting the four hours of concentration: “Even though I feel some pressure, because today marks the culmination of several years, philosophy remains quite unpredictable and you can’t guess the topics. All that’s left is to wait, and when the time comes, I’ll give it my all.” While some only wait for the topics, others are just waiting for the test to end. A philosophy textbook is quickly browsed; Vincent seems lost: “I know it’s too late for revisions, but I can’t help but check a few definitions. Yet, I also think that, in a way, it’s already decided.”
After the calm, the storm
Two hours later, the first students appear outside the high school. Cigarettes, bursts of laughter, anecdotes, debates; everyone releases their stress in their own way. Everyone shares their topics, no matter if they are from series S, ES, or L; all results are worth discussing. A buzz takes over the plaza in front of the high school. Surprise, relief, or disgust, all sentiments are palpable. Pierre seems a bit disappointed, “I’m annoyed, I saw all the philosophy topic predictions on a website, they were right and instead I revised everything opposite of what was advised: consciousness, reason… I thought it was a trap.” The internet is a resource sometimes, www.france-examens.com offers interesting predictions. Go take a look! Others are satisfied. We find Claire and Vincent around noon: “We are really happy with the topics, they were all very interesting.” Claire chose to analyze a text by Aristotle, which she says she did very well on. As for Vincent, he chose to write on the topic: Can we end prejudice?
In the meantime, in Nice…
It’s not easy, when you’re not yet 20, to know if “we can end prejudice” or if “desire can be satisfied with reality.” Like always, the test is unusual, and students tackle it in different ways. There are two types of students. There are those who prepared, who reviewed for several weeks, who read and reread the classics, in short, who did everything to maximize their chances. These students, for the most part, were confident when they left their schools this morning. For Charlotte, optimism prevails. “I had studied the topic, I wasn’t surprised.” Just as hardworking, her friend Anne-Charlotte is less sure of herself: “as soon as the answers are available online, I’m diving into them.” On the other hand, there are those who go to the exam unprepared, relying solely on their own understanding to succeed. Generally, these last-minute philosophers are the first ones out.
By 10 a.m., some are already outside
Around ten o’clock, while there are still 2 hours left to finish the test, some students are already outside. They are anxious, afraid of going off-topic. Each tries to reassure themselves as best they can. “Philosophy is a unique subject. Success or failure in this subject doesn’t necessarily depend on our ability to learn a course,” repeats Antoine, trying to convince his fellow sufferers. Indeed, philosophy has this magical aspect, personal reflection is paramount. Yet it is difficult to convince his classmates convinced they’ve “messed everything up.” Charles, too, came out prematurely. His particularity? He turned in a blank sheet. “In front of my sheet, I was unable to write anything coherent.” A bit dismayed, he jokes: “I have a good topic for next year: what’s the point of the bac? I’ll have plenty to say.”
Whether they succeeded or not, all candidates have one thing in common: they are already thinking about the next exam.
After all, after the effort, the reward, a day of rest before diving into history and geography. Don’t panic, for those who didn’t pass their exam, Nicolas Sarkozy only got a 9 in philosophy. Even if you’re not a philosopher, you can still become president. Good luck with the rest!
