At theUM of Science [S05-ep20]: IAg: Toward a Science Without Conscience?
For this season’s final episode, *A l’UM * la science welcomes three Professors , and 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.” A program broadcast every Wednesday on the radio station Divergence.
Just this once, let me begin this program with words that are not 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—and also 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 implementation of IAg in higher education and research institutions is incompatible with the values of rationality and humanism that we are expected 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) community and the national education system had joined them. Among them were Professors , and faculty members and researchers 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 in mathematics atIMAG, the Montpellier Alexander GrothendieckInstitute ; and Angélique Rhodain is a lecturer and researcher at Montpellier Research in Management.
See also:
At "UM : Science," here's the lineup—let's get started!
Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Lucie Lecherbonnier / Aline Périault
Director: Bruno Bertrand
Listen to the show “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9
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