On Sunday, August 23, the Solan Monastery, located in La Bastide-d’Engras, will host a day dedicated to exploring the links between artificial intelligence, ecology, and spirituality. Organized by the association Les Amis de Solan, this day will feature a round table led by Rémi Baille, where the philosophical and ecological challenges of AI will be discussed. Participants will also have the opportunity to witness a release of wild birds, adding a concrete dimension to this day of reflection.
A day dedicated to ecology and spirituality
Since its creation in 1995 by Pierre Rabhi, the association Les Amis de Solan has been committed to promoting an approach to nature that links agroecology and spirituality. Each year, the monastery becomes a place of meetings and exchanges around essential themes. As Sister Iossifia points out, the initial goal was to support a practice related to the earth, featuring conferences on subjects such as water and seeds. However, the need to expand these discussions to include philosophical and spiritual questions has become increasingly evident, particularly through round tables that examine our relationship to the world.
Artificial intelligence: an unavoidable topic
During this day, the focus will be on the impact of artificial intelligence on our perception of existence. The round table, hosted from 2 PM by Rémi Baille, will bring together experts from various backgrounds. Among them are Marie David, a distinguished professor at HEC and author of La Nouvelle barbarie – Intelligence artificielle, Baptiste Aubert, an anthropologist, and Father Georges Vasilakis, an Orthodox priest and semiotics researcher. Each will bring a unique perspective on the ethical and sociological questions raised by AI.
A reflection on humanity in the age of AI
Sister Iossifia emphasizes the importance of engaging in this reflection. Artificial intelligence prompts us to question what defines us as humans. It encourages us to consider our existence not only through the lens of data or algorithms but also taking into account human relationships and spirituality. By indicating that the goal of this meeting is not to be for or against AI, she encourages awareness of the complexity of the issues we face. Indeed, “we are diving into something of which we only know the presuppositions,” she warns.
Varied activities to enrich the day
In addition to the round table, this day will feature a release of wild birds, an event scheduled for 11 AM thanks to the interaction of the association Goupil Connexion. This symbolic act of rehabilitating nature embodies an ethical vision of our relationship with the environment. At noon, participants will be invited to gather for a friendly picnic in the monastery gardens, thus fostering exchanges around the various experiences and reflections prompted by the day’s interventions.
A future to imagine together
By addressing how artificial intelligence redefines our relationship with nature and ourselves, this day at the Solan Monastery aims to be an invitation to collective reflection. Far from a simple technical debate, it calls for considering the place of humanity in an increasingly interconnected and technological world. Discussions on the implications of AI, as indicated in in-depth analyses, are essential to guide our future choices and ensure that our use of this technology respects human rights and our environment.
