The week that changed maths for ever – podcast
TL;DR
In early September, OpenAI announced it had solved a major mathematics problem that has stumped humans for nearly a century. The news left mathematicians reeling, and many expressed concern over what will be left for humans as AI becomes ever more adept at unravelling complex problems. Now 25 recipients of the Fields medal, often called the Nobel prize for maths, have signed an open letter expressing their fears of a 'severe misalignment' between AI companies and their field.
Nauti's Take
AI solving century-old problems is a real opportunity for maths: proofs can be checked faster and researchers can take on bigger questions. The risk sits elsewhere.
Who understands the proofs, who picks the questions and who gets the credit is currently being decided by AI companies and their PR teams. Research groups that use AI as a tool and verify the results themselves stand to gain the most.
Caution is warranted with breakthrough claims that spread before peer review.
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