UM atUM [S05-ep20]: IAg: Toward a Science Without Conscience?

[Podcast] - Published on June 18, 2026 in Science and Society

For this season’s final episode, *AUM science* welcomes three Professors faculty researchers from the University of Montpellier, signatories of the manifesto launched by members of Atécopol in December 2025 and titled“In the Face of Generative AI: Conscientious Objection.” The show airs every Wednesday on Divergence.

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Just this once, let me begin this program with words that aren't my own:

“We, members of the higher education, research, and national education communities, hereby declare that we are taking a stance of conscientious objection to the deployment of generative AI technologies in our institutions.”

Conscientious objection refers to an individual’s refusal—as well as a collective refusal, insofar as it is publicly shared—to take part in an activity that is perceived as incompatible with fundamental values.

In this case, we believe that the deployment of IAg in higher education and research institutions is incompatible with the values of rationality and humanism that we are supposed to represent and promote.

"Three major considerations support this position. For the sake of brevity, this manifesto does not elaborate on them, but the scientific literature provides ample evidence to firmly support them."

In this manifesto, titled*Conscientious Objection to Generative AI*, published by members of the Toulouse Political Ecology Workshop (Atécopol) in December 2025, they denounce, in particular, the almost moral imperative to use generative AI

Six months later, 3,400 signatures from members of the higher education and research (ESR) sector and the national education system were added to their petition. Among them were Professors research faculty members from the University of Montpellier.

Joining us in the studio:

Séverine Berard is a lecturer and researcher in computer science atISEM ( Montpellier Institute of Evolutionary Sciences); Matthieu Romagny is Professor mathematics atIMAG, the Montpellier Alexander GrothendieckInstitute ; and Angélique Rhodain is a lecturer and researcher at Montpellier Management Research.

UM atUM [S05-ep20]: IAg: Toward a Science Without Conscience?

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AtUM , you’ve got the schedule—let’s get started!