A Beginning for Mathematics
An essay exploring the future of mathematics in an era where AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of solving complex problems. The author argues that academic institutions must adapt to ensure human understanding remains central to mathematical progress.
Why it matters
It addresses the existential question of how human intellectual pursuits will evolve as AI begins to outperform humans in specialized fields like mathematics.
This essay also appears on Proofs and Prompts .
Three years ago, AI systems could not reliably add two numbers. A year ago, internal models at OpenAI and DeepMind received the equivalent of a gold-medal score on the IMO. Now, these systems are autonomously resolving major open questions. It’s hard to imagine this trend continuing for another year, but I expect it will. It is clear that this will require a radical rethinking of our profession.
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