On September 11 (local time), Terence Tao, Deng Yu, and 23 other Fields Medalists collectively released a statement expressing concern that the swift application of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve mathematical problems might result in a pronounced divergence between the developmental goals of AI and the core objectives of mathematical research. The statement highlighted that while the proficiency of large language models in tackling significant mathematical challenges has markedly improved in recent years, if AI companies solely view mathematical problems as benchmarks for assessing their capabilities, this could pose a threat to the integrity of mathematical research and the mathematical community at large. The essence of mathematical research resides in fostering conceptual comprehension and generating novel insights, rather than just seeking correct solutions. Should AI churn out mathematical outcomes in large quantities at a rapid pace, it might curtail the time allocated for verifying results, summarizing methods, engaging in academic discourse, and referencing prior work. This, in turn, could give rise to grave issues such as disputes over authorship and instances of plagiarism. Nevertheless, the statement also recognized that AI holds the potential to augment the efficiency of mathematical research, and its ultimate impact will hinge on the choices made by those who utilize the technology.
