In this episode of "The Joy of Why," host Steve Strogatz interviews mathematician Terence Tao about the nature of "good" mathematics. Tao reflects on his 2007 essay on the topic, discussing how mathematicians approach their work through different values like elegance, real-world application, and problem-solving, yet often converge on similar conclusions about what constitutes valuable mathematics. The conversation explores the relationship between math and the empirical world, the importance of interconnections within mathematics, and the evolving role of computer-assisted proofs and AI in the field. Tao also shares his perspective on making math publicly accessible and the potential for amateur mathematicians to contribute, highlighting the collaborative and interdisciplinary future of mathematics.
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