Title: The use of AI in math: an optimistic perspective
Speaker: Anton Shakov, Principia Math
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Carleton University, HP 4351 Macphail Room, Herzberg Building, 4th floor, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON
Abstract:
AI systems are now routinely solving open problems in math, and some mathematicians worry about what this means for our field. Principia Math is a startup that has spent the past 3 months working on AI systems for math. I will share what this experience has taught us and discuss a few possibilities for the future of math. While the risks of this technology are real, I will present a case that there may be more room for human curiosity in math than before, showcasing one recent example where an AI-generated proof became the starting point for a young mathematician’s own work.