The issue of the impact of artificial intelligence
("AI") on the workplace unleashes fierce passions: Some
fear - sometimes rightly - a massive destruction of jobs in the
coming years because of the emergence of AI. Others are more
moderate and rather anticipate an evolution in the way we work,
through the adaptation and redefinition of jobs, and the creation
of new opportunities. What is the real truth?
"History shows us that previous periods of transition
did not always run smoothly" 1.
It is true that the invention of the printing
press by Gutenberg in the 15th century - 2018 marks the
550th anniversary of Gutenberg's death - hastened,
despites the bitter struggle led by master writers and illuminators
who formed a guild (i.e. an association of craftspeople in a
particular trade), the disappearance of the copyist's
profession2. Similarly, the industrial revolution
in the 18th century led to the elimination of many
categories of jobs, including that of
"canut"3.
