A recent experience with ChatGPT 5.5 Pro (gowers.wordpress.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's experience with ChatGPT 5.5 Pro, a large language model that was able to produce PhD-level research in mathematics, specifically in the field of combinatorics. The model was able to solve problems and provide proofs that were verified by human mathematicians. The author raises questions about the implications of this technology for the field of mathematics and how it may change the way research is conducted. The model's capabilities have sparked discussions about the role of human mathematicians and the potential for AI to augment or replace human research.

Main themes

• AI in mathematics
• Research and collaboration
• Impact on education
• Future of work
• Mathematical discovery

What commenters say

• The increasing capabilities of AI models like ChatGPT may make it more difficult for human mathematicians to contribute to the field, as they can solve problems that were previously considered suitable for beginners.
• The use of AI in mathematics research could lead to new discoveries and advancements, but it also raises questions about the role of human intuition and creativity in the field.
• Some argue that AI-generated research is not impressive because it is simply a tool, like a compiler, and that the true value lies in the human understanding and application of the results.
• Others believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize the field of mathematics and that its capabilities should be recognized and valued, rather than dismissed as unimpressive.
• There is a need to reassess the way mathematics education is structured, as AI models can now solve problems that were previously used as exercises for students.
• The ownership and control of AI models by corporations raises concerns about reliance on these companies and the potential for them to dictate the direction of research.
• Some argue that the use of AI in research will lead to new job opportunities, such as AI manager or AI babysitter, while others believe that it will lead to job displacement and a loss of human expertise.
• The ability of AI models to generate research and proofs challenges traditional notions of authorship and credit in academic publishing.