AI Solving Math Isn't a Tragedy: The Goal of Science is Truth, Not Jobs
garrytan · x · 2026-08-03
Recent AI breakthroughs in solving long-standing mathematical problems have sparked heartbreak and anxiety among some mathematicians. Perry Metzger pushes back strongly against this sentiment, arguing that getting answers to our questions is wonderful, not a tragedy.
He points out that being upset over AI solving math problems reveals a flawed model of what science is about. The ultimate point of science and mathematics is to discover truths about the world and mathematical systems, not merely to provide jobs for scientists or validate their sense of self-worth.
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