Mathematicians’ Latest Problem: What if A.I. Can Do Our Job?

Artificial intelligence has gone from struggling with basic arithmetic to helping solve some of mathematics’ most famous open problems — and the field is reckoning with what that means.

Steven Strogatz, a professor of mathematics at Cornell University, describes the excitement and grief of watching A.I. take on work that gives people a sense of purpose — and asks what could be lost if machines deliver answers without the human struggle, insight and understanding that make solving problems meaningful.

Guest: Steven Strogatz, a professor of mathematics at Cornell University who writes for The New York Times about the future of research.

Background reading: 

• Mathematics isn’t just a game to let A.I. solve — history shows why.
• A.I. is mastering the kinds of projects that have long helped to build the careers of young mathematicians. What does that mean for their future?
• Steven Strogatz’s forthcoming book: Big Math.

Photo: Ian C. Bates for The New York Times

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For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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