Lecture by Luc Ferry

As part of the Université des Savoirs Partagés, the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France is hosting Luc Ferry, philosopher, essayist, and former Minister of National Education, for a lecture on his book AI: Great Replacement or Complementarity?, published in 2025.

This event is organized in collaboration with the City of Famars, as part of a series of events open to everyone exploring the major transformations shaping our society.

The rise of artificial intelligence is already profoundly transforming our daily lives, the world of work, education, and creative practices. In the face of these upheavals, a central question arises: What role should humans play in a world where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent?

In this lecture, Luc Ferry will explore the relationship between humans and AI: Is artificial intelligence destined to replace some of our abilities, or can it, on the contrary, become a complementary tool that enhances and enriches our skills?

The discussion will focus in particular on changes in the workplace, the evolution of intellectual professions, creativity, education, as well as the ethical and philosophical issues raised by the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience, allowing everyone to ask questions and continue the discussion on these issues that now affect society as a whole.

📅 October 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
📍 L’Intermède – Famars
👥 Open to the public
🎟️ Free admission – registration required

Luc Ferry is a philosopher, essayist, and former Minister of National Education. The author of numerous books on philosophy, society, and major contemporary transformations, he has been interested for several years in technological upheavals and their consequences for humanity.

His intellectual journey has led him to explore both the history of philosophy and major social issues. His works examine, in particular, the transformations in our lifestyles and our relationship to progress, nature, and happiness.

In AI: Great Replacement or Complementarity?, published in January 2025, Luc Ferry focuses his analysis on the changes brought about by artificial intelligence. The book revisits, in particular, the symbolic turning point marked in 1997 by the victory of the Deep Blue program over world chess champion Garry Kasparov, before examining the spectacular acceleration in AI capabilities since the emergence of generative models.

Drawing on several years of research and discussions with experts in the field, he approaches AI not only as a scientific revolution but as a phenomenon capable of profoundly transforming our relationship to work, creativity, knowledge, and human existence.

A new series at the Université des Savoirs Partagés (USP) begins in October at the UPHF, featuring Luc Ferry, who will kick off this new program focused on major contemporary issues.

The series will continue in November with Brigitte Lecordier, actress, artistic director, and iconic voice in dubbing, as part of the Year of Japan at UPHF.
Other events and guests will round out this program throughout the year.

Organized by the UPHF, the USP offers free lectures open to everyone, providing a space for meeting and discussion on a variety of topics at the intersection of knowledge, culture, and social issues.

More events are coming soon…