Mathematicians clash: do unreadable preprints really stall progress, or does status-seeking?
davidbessis · x · 2026-10-13
An exchange on AI-era math: @panickssery argues that half-baked, unreadable preprints claiming major results can effectively stall mathematical progress. davidbessis pushes back: the problem is mathematicians' unwillingness to distill and explain results, due to few or unclear status points—new results can't actually retard progress. 'Real-world problems only exist because we live in the real world. And?' A debate about academic incentives and AI-generated math content.
Related event: Mathematicians vs AI Boosters: Do Unreadable AI Proofs Halt Math Progress?(6 posts)→
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