Terence Tao, a Fields medalist, has raised a warning about artificial intelligence in mathematics. According to Tao, AI is now capable of solving some of the field’s best problems faster than new ones can be introduced. He points to a real race between OpenAI and Anthropic as evidence of this shift.
The Race Between OpenAI and Anthropic
Tao cites the ongoing competition between OpenAI and Anthropic as proof of AI’s growing capability. The two organizations are actively working on AI systems, and their progress illustrates how quickly the technology can tackle difficult mathematical challenges.
AI Flattens Hard Problems Instantly
The core of Tao’s concern is that AI can now flatten a hard problem the moment someone starts working on it. In other words, as soon as a mathematician begins to engage with a difficult question, AI may already be able to resolve it. This dynamic creates a situation where the supply of unsolved problems may not keep pace with AI’s ability to solve them.
Implications for Mathematics
Tao’s warning suggests a potential shift in how mathematical research unfolds. If AI can consistently solve hard problems as soon as they are attempted, the traditional cycle of problem generation and solution may be disrupted. The race between OpenAI and Anthropic serves as a concrete example of the speed and scale at which this is happening.
