Mathematicians rebel against AI — Tyler Cowen says the field must adapt, not resist
nabeelqu · x · 2026-09-13
A statement against AI signed by Terry Tao and many other math notables drew a response from Tyler Cowen. He rejects the most cynical readings and draws an analogy to economics: future economists may not carry marginalist insights in their heads since AI can produce the right answer at a button press — disturbing, but he expects enormous unseen benefits. He disputes the mathematicians' claim that outcomes hinge on the decisions of those controlling the technology; the real variable is how well mathematicians adapt, e.g. continuing to reward those who "fill in the important blanks in math understanding" even when AI proves the theorems.
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