Despite the challenges, Tao is optimistic about the potential of AI in mathematics. He suggests that AI could help in breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces, and even in finding connections between seemingly unrelated fields. However, he also notes that AI currently lacks the necessary data for effective training, as much of a mathematician's intuition and knowledge is not captured in published papers but in conversations and lectures. Tao suggests that in the future, the process of trying and failing at mathematical problems could be recorded and used to train future AIs, leading to more efficient problem-solving.
Key takeaways:
- Mathematician Terence Tao believes that the formalization of mathematics, where proofs are broken down into individual components and checked by computers, opens up new possibilities for collaboration in the field.
- Automated proof checkers allow for collaboration with hundreds of people, without needing to personally verify their work. This enables larger-scale mathematics projects.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially assist in the process of formalizing proofs, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. However, Tao believes that AI will not "solve" mathematics in the near future, but rather serve as a useful tool for mathematicians.
- The future of mathematics could involve a variety of roles, including project managers, specialists, AI trainers, and those who convert AI proofs into human-readable form. This would make mathematics more similar to other modern industries.