Solving Math’s Greatest Problems Was an Art Form. Then Came AI
wired ·
OpenAI recently claimed to have solved the decades-old Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness problem using thousands of AI agents, sparking controversy within the mathematical community. Critics argue that this brute-force approach undermines the artistic and creative nature of mathematics, which values deep understanding over mere results. Many mathematicians feel that AI shortcuts the deliberate process required to develop new ideas, potentially leading to solutions without comprehension. A declaration signed by Fields Medal winners warns that mass-producing proofs could destroy the fertile ground for human innovation. Experts like Lorenzo Gavassino emphasize that the struggle inherent in complex calculations often inspires breakthrough concepts, such as imaginary numbers. There are also concerns about transparency, attribution, and the ethical implications of replacing graduate student training with automated computation. While OpenAI has formed an advisory group to address these concerns, tensions remain regarding the future role of AI in scientific discovery.
wired