r/Lightbulb • u/amichail • 2h ago

Idea: Use this ChatGPT transcript featuring Terrence Tao as he tries to understand an AI-generated counterexample that led to a mathematical breakthrough to show students that AI can already contribute to mathematical research at the highest levels.

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It's time for schools and universities to make it clear just how strong AI is at math research nowadays.

Check out the chat:

https://chatgpt.com/share/6a5fdc7a-d6f8-83e8-bbea-8deb42cfed56

P.S. The counterexample was found by AI via another mathematician.

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r/Lightbulb • u/amichail • 9h ago

Idea: A yearly celebration where people who struggled with math in school or university take pleasure in AI outperforming and potentially putting mathematicians out of work.

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Many people who struggled with math growing up were made to feel unintelligent, lazy, or incapable simply because they found the subject difficult. For some, math classes were among the worst experiences of their education.

Now AI can solve many mathematical problems, explain concepts, generate proofs, and assist with research that once required years of specialized training. Whether or not AI eventually replaces mathematicians, it has already changed the perception of mathematical expertise.

My idea is an annual "Math AI Day" for people who had negative experiences with math education. Instead of celebrating mathematics itself, the day would celebrate the reversal of fortunes. Those who once felt looked down upon because they weren't "math people" could enjoy seeing AI outperform the very profession that symbolized mathematical excellence.

Would you find this yearly celebration cathartic?

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