What happens to mathematics when AI becomes an oracle?

The modern world relies heavily on mathematics, from social media algorithms and package delivery to weather prediction and medical imaging. With the advent of computers, complex mathematical calculations have become increasingly prevalent, pushing the limits of human cognitive abilities. However, the rise of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models, and quantum computing, is poised to surpass human creators in the realm of "big math."

This is the central focus of a new book by applied mathematicians Steven Strogatz and Alex Townsend, titled Big Math: The Hidden Codes That Run Our World. Strogatz, a renowned mathematician, has contributed to various fields, including chaos theory, small-world networks, and the synchronization of biological systems. He has authored several popular books and has been a prolific communicator and educator in the field of mathematics.