The Crucial Need for Future Mathematicians in a Tech-Driven World
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Chapter 1: The Golem of Prague and Its Modern Implications
In Richard McElreath's insightful book on Bayesian methods, Statistical Rethinking, he recounts a tale about the Golem of Prague. This legendary figure was said to roam the streets of Prague's Jewish ghetto in the 16th century. Rabbi Löw, known as the Maharal of Prague, crafted this creature from the clay of the Vltava River to safeguard his community against violence and the unpredictability of rulers. To animate the Golem, Rabbi Löw placed a shem, or a clay tablet inscribed with God's name, into its mouth.
The Golem followed commands with intelligence, but lacked true wisdom. It couldn't make independent choices; it merely acted on orders. Rabbi Löw would deactivate the Golem on the Sabbath, adhering to Jewish customs. However, one day he forgot, leading the Golem to rampage through the ghetto, causing destruction. Rabbi Löw was interrupted during prayers and quickly confronted the creature outside the synagogue, successfully removing the shem. The Golem was never revived and is said to be stored in the attic of the synagogue, which remained locked for centuries. To this day, Psalm 92 is recited twice during services in Prague’s renowned synagogue.
In Yiddish, "Golem" translates to ‘stupid’ or ‘lazy’—a curious label for such a powerful being. Yet, it fits. While executing intelligence is straightforward, applying it wisely is a challenge. The rapid advancements in technology have simplified the execution of intelligence but have not fostered wisdom.
If we fail to nurture a new generation of mathematicians, we risk unleashing increasingly powerful Golems into the world without the means to manage them wisely. Here are some specific concerns I would like to highlight.
Section 1.1: The Shift from Mathematicians to Data Scientists
Data Science and Mathematics differ significantly. The Python library scikit-learn provides Data Scientists with tools to implement complex mathematical algorithms like Support Vector Machines or Gradient-boosted Trees without a deep understanding of the mathematical principles behind them. Parameters are often chosen with little insight, relying heavily on trial and error.
Today, many young mathematicians are being transformed into data scientists, drawn by higher salaries and the allure of what is deemed the ‘world’s sexiest job’. This shift risks turning them into engineers rather than true mathematicians, potentially losing their ability to critically evaluate and interpret their methodologies. In this realm, engineering a pipeline does not require one to be a mathematician.
It is crucial to remember that the algorithms packaged in programming languages like Python, R, or Julia are based on methods developed by mathematicians. A decline in the number of mathematicians may lead to a slowdown in the evolution of mathematical methods and innovation, a trend that warrants our attention.
The first video, "Why Math is Important," explores the critical role mathematics plays in our lives and society, reinforcing the need for skilled mathematicians.
Chapter 2: The Dangers of AI in Mathematics
I have frequently been asked at various events if AI will eliminate the need for mathematicians. The mere thought that some people believe this is alarming. Anyone familiar with the latest developments in Generative AI recognizes that it falls short of replacing a skilled mathematical mind.
A recent article in the New Yorker aptly describes ChatGPT as ‘a blurry JPEG of the web’. This analogy highlights a fundamental issue: in mathematical reasoning, a blurry JPEG signifies a lazy answer that lacks precision and often is incorrect, regardless of its eloquence.
For instance, it is clear that this statement is incorrect since (2^2 = 4^2), yet ChatGPT could mislead users with its vague response generator.
As we see a decline in professional mathematicians and an increased reliance on such technology for mathematical inquiries, the implications are concerning. A robust future generation of mathematicians is essential to prevent these Golems from spiraling out of control.
If you're a young individual considering a career in Mathematics, I wholeheartedly encourage you—your contributions may be vital in saving the world from the Golems of our time!
What are your thoughts on the issues I've raised in this discussion? I welcome your comments!