OpenAI publishes 719 mathematical papers

On October 6, the American artificial intelligence (AI) company OpenAI released 719 manuscripts containing solutions to highly complex mathematical problems, all generated in just a few hours. This unprecedented output shocked the mathematical community, as it far exceeded the production rate of any academic institution.

Mathematicians react with surprise and admiration

Cédric Villani, a Fields Medal winner — often compared to the Nobel Prize in mathematics — noted that no university in the world produces high-level mathematics at such a rapid pace. Hugo Duminil-Copin, another French Fields Medalist, admitted he was emotional, saying he would have been delighted to prove just one of these problems.

Mathematicians consider the future of research

After the initial shock, Duminil-Copin expressed interest in exploring "the day after," suggesting a potential reinvention of how research is conducted with AI. In mathematics, some believe a problem is "finished" once a proof is complete, but this is a misconception. The real work often begins after the proof, with new questions and ideas emerging from the process.

AI lacks the qualities to ask questions

If AI can now solve complex problems, it does not ask questions, and it likely never will. To ask questions, one needs intuition, consciousness, and curiosity — traits that AI currently lacks. Pope Leo XIV warned in his encyclical Magnifica humanitas about AI that could "extinguish the desire to ask questions."

Human progress depends on questioning and solving

Our humanity has advanced through both those who ask questions and those who solve them. However, to continue asking questions, it is essential to maintain an agile and trained mind that does not rely too heavily on AI or delegate all tasks to it. Valérie Rabault, a former first vice president of the National Assembly and current departmental counselor of Tarn-et-Garonne, emphasizes this point. This column does not represent the editorial line or the editorial staff of Réforme.