Mathematician pushes back on OpenAI math hype: strong at Lean proofs won't cure cancer
Frances01896069 · x · 2026-10-08
A working mathematician argues that OpenAI's models excel at math mainly because math can be expressed precisely as a language and trained efficiently via Lean formalization and proof checking — conditions absent in medical research. He warns that modern math is a complex human system built over decades of mentoring; stop forming new mathematicians and the whole system collapses, with no model for machines training humans to replace it. Calling claims of imminent AI replacement of math researchers a rushed, risky bet, he notes such PR (e.g., proving the Riemann Hypothesis by Halloween 2026) would say little about curing cancer — and is convenient ahead of an IPO.
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