Mathematics is hard for mathematicians to understand too | Science
At a recent conference focused on the evolving role of mathematics in the age of automated proofs, renowned mathematician and Fields Medalist Akshay Venkatesh delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “How do we talk to our students about AI?” His discussion was sparked by a poignant email from a young student who questioned the relevance of studying mathematics in a world where machines can provide answers to complex problems. The student’s inquiry reflects a broader concern among learners about the future of mathematical inquiry and the role of mathematicians in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. Venkatesh seized this opportunity to address what he perceives as a significant disconnect between the practice of mathematics and the core values that underpin the discipline.
Venkatesh emphasized that mathematics should be viewed as a pursuit of understanding rather than merely a set of tools for computation or problem-solving. He referenced mathematician William Thurston’s assertion that the essence of mathematics lies in comprehension, not just in numbers or algorithms. However, Venkatesh lamented the current state of mathematical research, noting that many papers and presentations fail to foster genuine understanding among their audiences. This disconnect raises critical questions about the future of mathematics education and the responsibilities of mathematicians. As AI continues to advance, Venkatesh argues that it presents an opportunity to bridge this gap, encouraging educators and mathematicians to reevaluate how they communicate mathematical concepts and values to students. By embracing AI as a tool for enhancing understanding rather than a replacement for human inquiry, the mathematical community can inspire the next generation to appreciate the beauty and significance of mathematics in a rapidly changing world.
In light of these discussions, Venkatesh’s message is clear: the mathematical community must adapt to the challenges posed by AI while remaining true to its foundational values. This involves not only improving the clarity and accessibility of mathematical communication but also fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject’s intrinsic worth. The role of a mathematician, then, may evolve to encompass not just problem-solving but also the cultivation of understanding and insight, ensuring that mathematics remains a vibrant and relevant field in the age of automation. As educators and researchers reflect on these ideas, they are called to inspire students to engage with mathematics not just as a tool for answers but as a profound journey toward knowledge and comprehension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6ltzaOpPl8
At a recent conference on mathematics in the age of automated proofs, mathematician and Fields Medalist Akshay Venkatesh presented “How do we talk to our students about AI?” He quoted an email he’d received from a young student who asked, “Do you believe that mathematics is worth being studied in a world in which a machine can answer everything for you? What do you believe would be the ‘job’ of a mathematician in this world?” Venkatesh framed AI as an opportunity to correct what he called an “essential gap that has opened between the practice of mathematics and our values.” Mathematician William Thurston has explained these values by writing, “mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding.” But Venkatesh argued that the record on this is terrible, lamenting that “for a typical paper or talk, very few of us understand it.” He is not alone in thinking that something is wrong with the current state of mathematics research.
