As AI solves maths puzzles faster than humans, mathematicians face uncertain future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now solving mathematical problems that have long challenged human mathematicians, causing a ripple effect of uncertainty among professionals worldwide. In early October, OpenAI unveiled progress on 372 categories of mathematical problems, some of which had eluded solutions for years. This week, the company announced three more discoveries, prompting human teams to analyze the AI-generated results in mathematics, computer science, and physics.

Mathematical community debates are intensifying about the impact of AI on a field once considered one of the most complex and labor-intensive. Renowned mathematician Terence Tao, a 2006 Fields Medal winner, criticizes OpenAI for "stripping" earlier work to generate solutions. Tao and 24 other Fields Medal winners have warned that AI-generated mathematical solutions must be human-developed to preserve the field's traditional learning methods.

In China, similar concerns have emerged. Tsinghua University's Shing-Tung Yau, leading an alliance of over 1,000 scientists, is developing AI models for mathematics. Yau fears China's lag behind the US in AI systems for advancing mathematics and physics. Yau will become editor-in-chief of the new Journal of AI-Assisted Mathematics, scheduled to launch in 2027.

The journal will publish rigorous, AI-assisted research in pure mathematics, adhering to proof standards set by leading pure mathematics journals. Despite concerns, some mathematicians argue that AI can be a valuable tool. German-Iranian mathematician Babak Haghighat believes AI is a powerful instrument that can connect fields previously inaccessible without extensive study.

However, he warns that large AI companies hold the most advanced models, deepening international inequality. Haghighat calls on China to collaborate with universities and mathematicians to develop advanced AI models, as current Chinese models excel in programming but not mathematics. Experts also see positive impacts from AI involvement.

Grant Sanderson, creator of the popular mathematics-focused YouTube channel 3Blue1Brown, believes now is the optimal time to learn mathematics as proofs become easier to obtain. He sees AI changing the academic culture and credit-allocation system, prompting the community to establish new standards.