Leiden Declaration: AI is challenging the core values of mathematics (www.universiteitleiden.nl)

The Leiden Declaration, a pivotal document emerging from an international collaboration of 16 researchers, addresses the significant challenges AI poses to the fundamental values of mathematics. This declaration articulates concerns over the implications of AI-generated proofs, such as accountability for errors, proper attribution of intellectual contributions, and the integrity of mathematical discovery. As AI technology increasingly aids in writing papers and generating proofs, these questions are no longer theoretical but demand urgent community consensus to ensure that the mathematic discipline remains guided by human understanding and ethical practices. Central to the declaration are five threats identified by the authors, including the risk of unreliable results from AI, potential copyright violations, and the growing dependence on proprietary AI tools that could widen inequalities among researchers. The authors advocate for transparency in AI usage, urging mathematicians to disclose the AI tools and methods employed in their work and to maintain human responsibility for research accuracy. The declaration calls for collaborative action among researchers, institutions, and funding agencies to establish clear norms for AI in mathematics, while also highlighting that similar issues extend beyond this field into broader academic and creative domains.