Terry Tao, a renowned mathematician, has been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of mathematics and technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). His journey began with a fascination for unconventional ideas, as evidenced by his prediction in 2014 that future mathematical collaborations would involve hundreds of people and be verified by computers. This vision was not merely a theoretical concept but a practical endeavor, as Tao actively participated in the Polymath Project, a collaborative effort to solve complex mathematical problems through large-scale online participation. The project, which began in 2009, showcased the potential of public collaboration in mathematics, with Tao playing a pivotal role in organizing and leading these efforts. However, Tao recognized the limitations of the Polymath model, particularly the need for human moderation to ensure the accuracy of contributions. This led him to explore the potential of computer-verified mathematics, a field he had been aware of for years but had not fully embraced. In 2022, Tao initiated a workshop focused on how computers were assisting mathematical research, and he began to learn Lean, a software that allows mathematical proofs to be written and checked as computer code. This marked a significant shift in his approach to mathematics, as he started formalizing his own research in Lean, including a proof of Maclaurin's inequality. The process, while challenging, demonstrated the potential of AI-assisted mathematics, with Tao's efforts leading to the formalization of a proof in Lean. Tao's interest in AI-assisted mathematics extended beyond formal verification. He envisioned a new era of experimental mathematics, drawing inspiration from the evolution of physics. He proposed Equational Theories, a project aimed at mapping the relationships between various algebraic laws, using AI to automate the process. This project, though initially promising, faced challenges in scaling and maintaining momentum. Despite these setbacks, Tao's efforts have paved the way for a new style of mathematics, one that combines human insight with the capabilities of AI. His work has not only advanced the field of mathematics but has also opened up new possibilities for collaboration and discovery, challenging traditional boundaries and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mathematical research.
