Mathematics in the Age of AI
An essay, based on a public lecture delivered at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians, on how the mathematical community might respond to the arrival of artificial intelligence tools that are capable of performing research-level mathematical tasks. Rather than debating the capabilities of such tools, we condition on the hypothesis that these capabilities will arrive, and examine instead a question that is orthogonal to it: what the goals and values of mathematical research actually are. The problem-solving component of mathematics is used as a case study.
Summary
The essay discusses the implications of advanced AI tools on the mathematical community, focusing on how mathematicians might redefine their goals and values in light of these technologies. It shifts the conversation from the capabilities of AI to the fundamental principles guiding mathematical research.
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