EXPLORE 2024 - Luc Julia on AI

The 1st edition of the Big Annual Evening Alumni, EXPLORE[1], brought together almost 500 participants in Paris, Clermont-Ferrand, Lyon and remotely.

A guest of honor who challenges conventional wisdom

During the evening, Luc Julia, co-creator of Siri and a world-renowned expert, captivated the audience with his no-holds-barred approach to AI. He offered a nuanced vision of Artificial Intelligence (AI), deconstructed myths and highlighted the opportunities as well as the limits of this ubiquitous technology.

Since its conception in the 1950s, AI has fascinated as much as it has worried. With pedagogy and humor, he has countered certain popular perceptions. “Artificial intelligence doesn't exist”, he declared, pointing out that current systems are far from the dystopian scenarios conveyed by science fiction. In his view, the AIs we use are tools, efficient for specific tasks, but lacking in creativity or real understanding.

This position, which may come as a surprise, prompts us to reconsider the place of AI in our daily lives. Luc Julia insisted on one crucial point: they're stupid and just spit out what's in their model, without any real understanding or creativity. The real intelligence lies in the humans who create and use them.

🔑 Some key information:

👉 AI is first and foremost a tool

There's nothing magical about AI; the models, to accomplish specific tasks, are designed by humans, who therefore remain the true holders of intelligence, creativity and understanding.

👉 Understanding its capabilities and limitations

Taking full advantage of AI requires knowing its strengths (massive data processing, automation) but also its weaknesses (bias, lack of real creativity). This implies a pragmatic and enlightened approach to choosing the right use cases and maximizing its positive impact.

👉 The risks of blind adoption

Dangers such as lack of transparency, bias or impact on employment should not be ignored. Integrating AI into our lives requires defining ethical frameworks, protecting privacy and ensuring that it remains a tool, not an addiction.

👉 Towards human / AI collaboration

The future of AI lies in co-evolution with humans:

Train employees capable of interacting effectively with AI tools;

Valuing human skills such as creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence;

Create a collaborative dynamic where AI amplifies, but does not replace, human potential.

💡 Well-used AI is a lever, not a threat.

By investing in appropriate training, cultivating genuine curiosity and adopting an ethical approach, we can transform AI into a force for innovation and sustainable progress.

A future to be co-constructed

Luc Julia reminds us that Artificial Intelligence is not a threat in itself. It is a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how we choose to use it. A thoughtful, ethical and collaborative adoption of AI can pave the way for major advances in many fields, while preserving what makes humanity so rich: its intelligence, creativity and ability to adapt.

An evening rich in perspectives

The EXPLORE evening enabled all participants, whether novices or experts, to grasp the complex challenges of Artificial Intelligence. The success of this first event augurs well for future ones, which will continue to focus on topical issues and feature renowned speakers.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2ᵉ edition of EXPLORE in November 2025!

[1] The new concept of the Grande Soirée Annuelle Alumni, EXPLORE, brings together all members of the community (graduates, students, École staff) in both face-to-face (Paris and major French cities) and remote settings. The aim is for the current theme/expertise and/or speaker(s), recognized in France and/or internationally, to provide knowledge and open-mindedness, while creating close ties between members.