Paris philosophy café
Details
Humanity & AI: What Is Still Worth Doing Ourselves?
Sunday, 1 November 2026 · 3:00–5:00 p.m.
La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle area, Paris
Exact café and address to be confirmed
8–12 participants · French & English
Free to attend; please pay for your own drinks.
If an AI could do something better than you, would you still want to do it?
Write a novel. Learn a language. Make a painting. Think through a difficult decision. Beyond the question of what machines can do lies another: what makes these activities valuable to us?
For the first gathering of Paris Philosophy Café, we will explore what artificial intelligence might change about our sense of purpose, creativity and relationships.
A few questions to open the conversation:
• Does the value of creating lie in the result, the effort, or the experience?
• If our abilities no longer make us exceptional, what might we build our self-worth on?
• What do we seek in human relationships, and could an AI offer it?
• What would we want to keep doing ourselves—even if we could delegate it?
We will begin by introducing ourselves and sharing a question, hope or concern about AI. We will then choose a few threads to explore together, drawing on ideas, books and personal experiences.
The host will welcome participants and help keep the discussion open and balanced. There will be time for informal conversation, and we will finish by suggesting themes for future gatherings.
You do not need expertise in philosophy or technology. Enthusiasm, scepticism and uncertainty are all welcome, along with a willingness to listen and let others speak.
Please join if you can comfortably follow both French and English. You are welcome to speak either language; systematic translation will not be provided.
If you come on your own, you will be in good company: getting to know one another is part of the afternoon.
Please keep your RSVP up to date so we can arrange seating for everyone.