Mathematics has changed. Let's act like it(terrytao.wordpress.com)
337 points by smilelamp 19 hours ago | 419 comments
tl;dr: Mathematician Frank Calegari argues that OpenAI's October 6 release of 700+ AI-generated math papers—which reportedly cracked many major open problems—marks a watershed moment that the math community should embrace rather than mourn, comparing the shock to the 1980s classification of finite simple groups. He proposes concrete reforms: evaluate all work as if AI-assisted, prioritize in-person interviews over paper files in hiring, demand better exposition from journals (or abandon them), emphasize breadth in graduate training, and reward problem selection and vision over mere proof production.
HN Discussion:
  • ↑Math is applied bedrock of science and should embrace tools that solve real problems faster
  • ↑Credit should go to those who choose problems and digest AI-generated proofs, aligning with Tao's view
  • ↑This is math's transition from craftsmanship to industrial/technological production, a welcome evolution
  • ~The article underestimates AI by assuming it won't extend beyond proof-generation into problem selection and exposition too
  • ↓Mathematicians are discouraged by ugly proofs and upended social foundations, highlighting real costs the article glosses over