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Yesterday, I saw a thought provoking talk about the future of of "math jobs" assuming automated theory proving becomes more prevalent in the future. [ (Re)imag

Yesterday, I saw a thought provoking talk about the future of of "math jobs" assuming automated theory proving becomes more prevalent in the future. [ (Re)imagining mathematics in a world of reasoning machines by Akshay Venkatesh] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYCT7cw0ycw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYCT7cw0ycw [54min] Abstract: In the coming decades, developments in automated reasoning will likely transform the way that research mathematics is conceptualized and carried out. I will discuss some ways we might think about this. The talk will not be about current or potential abilities of computers to do mathematics—rather I will look at topics such as the history of automation and mathematics, and related philosophical questions. See discussion at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42465907 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42465907

qnleigh 2y ago
That was wonderful, thank you for linking it. For the benefit of anyone who doesn't have time to watch the whole thing, here are a few really nice quotes that convey some main points. "We might put the axioms into a reasoning apparatus like the logical machinery of Stanley Jevons, and see all geometry come out of it. That process of reasoning are replaced by symbols and formulas... may seem artificial and puerile; and it is needless to point out how disastrous it would be in teaching and how hurtful to the mental development; how deadening it would be for investigators, whose originality it would nip in the bud. But as used by Professor Hilbert, it explains and justifies itself if one remembers the end pursued." Poincare on the value of reasoning machines, but the analogy to mathematics once we have theorem-proving AI is clear (that the tools and the lie direct outputs are not the ends. Human understanding is). "Even if such a machine produced largely incomprehensible proofs, I would imagine that we would place much less value on proofs as a goal of math. I don't think humans will stop doing mathematics... I'm not saying there will be jobs for them, but I don't think we'll stop doing math." "Mathematics is the study of reproducible mental objects." This definition is human ("mental") and social (it implies reproducing among individuals). "Maybe in this world, mathematics would involve a broader range of inquiry... We need to renegotiate the basic goals and values of the discipline." And he gives some examples of deep questions we may tackle beyond just proving theorems.

qnleigh 2y ago

That was wonderful, thank you for linking it. For the benefit of anyone who doesn't have time to watch the whole thing, here are a few really nice quotes that convey some main points. "We might put the axioms into a reasoning apparatus like the logical machinery of Stanley Jevons, and see all geometry come out of it. That process of reasoning are replaced by symbols and formulas... may seem artificial and puerile; and it is needless to point out how disastrous it would be in teaching and how hurtful to the mental development; how deadening it would be for investigators, whose originality it would nip in the bud. But as used by Professor Hilbert, it explains and justifies itself if one remembers the end pursued." Poincare on the value of reasoning machines, but the analogy to mathematics once we have theorem-proving AI is clear (that the tools and the lie direct outputs are not the ends. Human understanding is). "Even if such a machine produced largely incomprehensible proofs, I would imagine that we would place much less value on proofs as a goal of math. I don't think humans will stop doing mathematics... I'm not saying there will be jobs for them, but I don't think we'll stop doing math." "Mathematics is the study of reproducible mental objects." This definition is human ("mental") and social (it implies reproducing among individuals). "Maybe in this world, mathematics would involve a broader range of inquiry... We need to renegotiate the basic goals and values of the discipline." And he gives some examples of deep questions we may tackle beyond just proving theorems.