25 fields medallists — a.i. companies’ goals are diverging from math.

Fields medalist Terence Tao and 24 other Fields medalists, the most prestigious award in mathematics, have put out a statement criticizing how the AI industry’s speed races to solve celebrated problems are negatively impacting mathematics. The impetus was a string of recent high-profile problem solving announcements made in a rush without sufficient explanations of novel techniques or giving due credit.

To mathematicians, a solved problem is just a tool for gauging comprehension; too many “right” or “wrong” answers can stifle understanding. This is one facet of a larger trend that endangers all kinds of intellectual pursuits.