Checking the math behind OpenAI and Anthropic's latest headlines (garymarcus.substack.com)

OpenAI recently announced a significant breakthrough in mathematical reasoning by using a new chain-of-thought reasoning model to disprove an 80-year-old conjecture by mathematician Paul Erdős. This innovative approach allowed the AI to systematically explore avenues that human mathematicians had overlooked, ultimately leading to the identification of a counterexample. While the success of the model showcases the potential of AI in aiding mathematical discovery, experts caution that this achievement should be interpreted with skepticism, as it doesn't necessarily mean the AI is "smarter" than mathematicians. Instead, it highlights how AI tools can enhance human capabilities and explore complex problem spaces more thoroughly than traditional methods allow. The implications of this development for the AI/ML community are notable, particularly regarding the integration of LLMs (large language models) with mathematical reasoning. Although the model demonstrated impressive potential, it also raised questions about its practicality and cost-effectiveness, particularly compared to existing computational mathematics tools. Meanwhile, Anthropic may be on the verge of its first profitable quarter, partly thanks to temporary compute discounts from SpaceX, although skepticism remains regarding future profitability and the true sustainability of their business model. As these technologies evolve, balancing excitement and caution will be essential in understanding their role in mathematics and beyond.