Align AI and Mathematics–To Something Else

In a letter titled "A Severe Misalignment of AI in Mathematics", 25 Fields medalists lamented that the goals of AI companies and the goals of the mathematical community are not aligned. Concerns raised include AI companies rushing to announce solutions without sufficient writeups, isolating new methods and ideas, and failing to cite relevant prior work. The signatories themselves admitted to hastily releasing the letter due to time constraints, not a lack of consultation.

The letter prompted reflection that the mathematics community itself does not nurture students and ideas with great care. This was illustrated through examples from the UC Berkeley math department, where Julia Robinson, a prominent figure in Hilbert's tenth problem, was barred from teaching for 35 years due to nepotism. Yuval Peres, another Berkeley professor, faced numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior towards junior female colleagues.

The department lost an NSF grant within three years of the author's arrival, attributed to poor student mentorship. Despite these issues, an emeritus faculty member continues to deny sexism in mathematics.

The author questions whether the 25 Fields medalists highlighted their status in the letter to imply authority over the mathematics community. Fields medals, while recognizing extraordinary mathematical ability, are also influenced by judgments about which problems, fields, and styles deserve recognition. The author suggests that the mathematical community's existing incentives, hierarchies, and institutions should not be considered a model for what AI companies and mathematicians should align with.

Instead, they propose that AI and mathematics ought to aspire to understanding, attribution, intellectual generosity, and the nurturing of students and ideas, rather than merely the production or recognition of results.