> someone who chooses a worthwhile problem, obtains a proof completely using AI, understands it thoroughly, and uses it to develop interesting further questions or directions has made a substantial mathematical contribution

among all the discourse, it seems mathematicians are vaguely converging on this higher layer of abstraction being where the human value in math is now. It seems across domains (such as in software too), people speak of “judgement”, “taste” and other fuzzy concepts around defining problems rather than solving them. The lowest level of abstraction where humans win is asking the questions, rather than merely answering them.

As math is so verifiable, the “transition” seems most poignant and quick there. Watching these big name mathematicians discuss this unfolding revolution in real time is fascinating.