What Is Math For in the Age of AI? - Live from ICM 2026 | PODCAST: The Joy of Why

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping mathematical practice, shifting the field from a narrow focus on proof generation toward a broader emphasis on narrative and human understanding. While AI models demonstrate proficiency in solving complex problems—such as those found in the International Mathematical Olympiad—the core value of mathematics remains rooted in the human capacity for intuition, aesthetic judgment, and the ability to connect disparate concepts into a coherent story. The integration of these tools poses significant risks, acting as a potential catalyst for anti-intellectualism and a shortcut that threatens the rigorous training of future generations. Ultimately, the future of the discipline depends on balancing technological acceleration with the preservation of the deep, struggle-based learning process that defines mathematical mastery and ensures that human insight remains at the center of discovery.