Will computers replace humans in mathematics?

[MarkFL]

I found this article to be an interesting read:

Will computers replace humans in mathematics?

While I am not a mathematician by any means, but more of a math enthusiast, I don't find this frightening or intimidating in the least. However we can gain more understanding of mathematics, will benefit us. Our history is full of instances in which an invention of ours has largely taken over some task because the invention can do it more efficiently than we can on our own, so why should mathematics be impervious to this? At first, the human mathematician will still be necessary to direct to research, but at some point perhaps that won't even be necessary.

 

[psalms 91]

Providing computers are still able to operate. I believe we will face a time when they wont

 

[MarkFL]

Providing computers are still able to operate. I believe we will face a time when they wont

Why would computers cease to operate?

 

[psalms 91]

I can think of a couple reasons, the main one being an EMP or any disruoption of power

 

[MarkFL]

Well, if EMPs occur around the world because of global thermonuclear war, or the entire world's power grid goes down (which means something catastrophic has happened), then most people will be too concerned with survival to worry about mathematics research at all.

 

[psalms 91]

True but especially in this country where everything is computerized it would be disasterous

 

[Josiah]

IMO, it seems to ME that in the past, the emphasis was entirely practical: getting the right answer. There are often tricks of the trade that can achieve that with little to no understanding of math. IMO, in this age of calculators and computers, the "tricks" are not needed and we COULD (but by no means therefore WILL) spend that time explaining math.


That said..... I do find it funny at times with my generation (who grew up with calculators) how even the most simple math issues totally escapes then - they immediately take out their phone and use the calculator when it's OBVIOUS. Oh, well.



- Josiah




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[psalms 91]

ever watched someone make change without a computer telling them how much? It is sad and funny