Some mathematicians call for OpenAI boycott after AI-generated proofs flood their field
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The Association for Human Mathematics, led by Fields Medalist Terence Tao, has called for a boycott of OpenAI after the company released hundreds of AI-generated mathematical manuscripts. Critics argue that these proofs are often dense and poorly written, forcing human experts to use AI tools just to decipher them, which violates core norms of scientific scholarship. Tao and other prominent mathematicians warn that this 'Math 2.0' era prioritizes rapid problem-solving over conceptual understanding, potentially destroying the fertile ground needed for deep mathematical insight. The controversy highlights a tension between OpenAI's batch release of raw drafts and alternative models like Anthropic's, which compensate researchers for creating human-readable explanations. While some view the move as a demonstration of power rather than scholarship, others question whether a problem can truly be considered solved if its proof remains incomprehensible without artificial assistance. Despite the backlash, opinions within the field remain divided on the effectiveness and realism of a boycott.
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