Is mathematics about to enter the conservatory?

In the latest development within the realm of mathematics, a groundbreaking paper titled "The Spherical Hadwiger Theorem" has surfaced, asserting its proof using artificial intelligence assistance. The authors, Wang & Wu from Hunan University, have leveraged OpenAI Codex, an AI model, to aid in the development of proof details, identification of gaps, and overall manuscript organization and editing.

Despite the AI's substantial involvement, the authors have retained full responsibility for the manuscript, emphasizing the importance of verifying AI-assisted content.

Though this isn't a headline-grabbing theorem, the implications of AI's role in mathematical research are profound. This development raises concerns about the future of mathematicians in a world increasingly dominated by AI. According to a report by OpenAI, the exposure of mathematicians' jobs to LLMs (large language models) is the highest among all professions, with 100% of a mathematician's job potentially at risk. This is a stark contrast to fields like writing, translation, art, and graphic design.

The authors of the paper commend Wang & Wu for adhering to the principles outlined in the Leiden Declaration regarding AI use in research. However, they acknowledge the challenges in verifying the proof, noting that it would require a significant amount of time and effort. The authors express hope for the continuation of research mathematics, emphasizing its role in communicating stories that help us understand reality more deeply.

They argue that the current support systems for mathematicians need drastic changes to adapt to the new realities brought about by AI.