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How do we prevent mathemathics from devolving into the Medieval Era of secrecy?

158 points · 146 comments · jjgreen

  1. vouaobrasil · · focus · HN ↗
    The problem here is that AI isn't just a problem, it also revealed a problem: too much emphasis on publishing papers and churning out new results. The name of the game right now is just that: make something new and significant. AI itelf is a problem around the world right now because we've set up some seriously bad incentives. Same with art - it devolved into content creation for money, so AI snaps that up.

    What we need to do is make mathematics about understanding, rather than churning out results. People should be rewarded for reaching an ability to explain mathematics without the aid of computers, to teach people for the sake of their learning.

    I do think AI also needs to be eradicated because of its destructive properties, but I think that at the same time it also is a manifestation of the sickness in our society to go after the wrong incentives that are detrimental in the long run.

    1. fn-mote · · focus · HN ↗
      > I do think AI also needs to be eradicated

      I wonder how life was while the Butlerian Jihad was raging through the universe.

      Jihadis were fighting opponents with thinking machines. Did they win because the machines were not capable enough?

      The idea that this genie is going back in the bottle is, imo, very wishful thinking. The thinking machines can rip off your software ideas completely, in days.

      1. coderenegade · · focus · HN ↗
        This. The value of intelligence and execution is plummeting towards zero for knowledge work. Right now, software and mathematics are the most affected, but the transition to every other industry is going to happen with shocking speed.
        1. owebmaster · · focus · HN ↗
          It actually won't. Math/Coding feedback loop is closed and can be automated, most other knowledge work can't.

          Automated spreadsheets and PPTs won't get people fired.

          1. coderenegade · · focus · HN ↗
            We routinely close the feedback loop when training people in pretty much every industry. Otherwise, what would you say that exams and accreditation/chartering are? I don't see anything inherent in other knowledge work that means AI couldn't do it.
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