François Fleuret: proving theorems is valuable in itself, math isn't just about applications
francoisfleuret · x · 2026-09-13
François Fleuret disputes the framing that math research is only justified by applications, listing four points: most mathematicians do math for its own sake; curiosity-driven math occasionally yields structures useful for real-world problems; proving a theorem generates by-products that seed new work; and proving a theorem is valuable in itself. The post responds to ongoing debates about what mathematicians are for once AI can prove theorems.
Related event: What Is Math Worth If AI Proves Theorems Cheaply(2 posts)→
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