Quanta Magazine · Wetenschap

Live from ICM 2026: What Is Math For in the Age of AI?

Mathematicians are grappling with the rise of AI, which is now capable of producing proofs and solving complex problems. This shift raises questions about the role of human creativity and the future of the field. A panel discussion at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia explored these issues.

The discussion featured mathematicians Akshay Venkatesh, Ravi Vakil, and Alex Kontorovich, who addressed the implications of AI in mathematics. They considered recent AI achievements, such as AI models earning medals in the International Mathematical Olympiads and AI finding counterexamples to long-standing conjectures like the Erdős unit distance conjecture.

The panelists debated the nature of mathematical value, suggesting that the 'storytelling' aspect—the process of exploration, understanding, and conveying mathematical ideas—is more central than mere proof generation. They argued that AI's ability to find proofs or counterexamples, while impressive, doesn't diminish the human drive to understand and communicate mathematical narratives.

Concerns were raised about the potential for AI to be used as a pretext for anti-intellectualism, leading to drastic cuts in mathematical research and education. The panelists emphasized that while technology has historically accelerated scientific progress, the current transition period brings uncertainty and anxiety, highlighting the need to protect and foster the human element in mathematics.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.