Silicon Reckoner

Silicon Reckoner examines the intersection and tensions between mathematics and computing, focusing on the impacts of AI on mathematical theory, practice, and ethics. It explores themes like the potential of AI in advancing mathematical creativity, the influence of technology and tech companies on the field, and the societal implications of these relationships.

Artificial Intelligence Mathematical Creativity Computing and Mathematics Ethics in Technology AI Governance Mathematics in Media Academic Unionization Deep Learning Democracy and Mathematics Impact of AI on Society

The hottest Substack posts of Silicon Reckoner

And their main takeaways

WELCOME!

117 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🔬 Science Mathematics AI Technology Research Ideology
  1. There has been a surge in newsletter subscriptions after being mentioned in a New York Times article.
  2. There are concerns about the relationship between AI, mathematics, and industries like tech and defense.
  3. Articles in the newsletter cover topics such as the conflict between mathematics and computing, the goals of mathematics, and AI's impact on mathematical reasoning.

Review of "Mathematica" by David Bessis

117 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
📚 Literature Mathematics Books Authors Philosophy Metaphor
  1. The book 'Mathematica' by David Bessis emphasizes the idea that everyone is already an accomplished mathematician, promoting awakening and emancipation from misconceptions about math.
  2. Mathematics is viewed as a sensual and carnal experience by mathematicians like Bill Thurston, focusing on understanding over logical reasoning.
  3. The concept of 'elephantitude' in the book highlights the importance of human understanding in mathematics, contrasting with the focus on reasoning in technology like deep learning.

Gonna have fun fun fun!

58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mathematics Philosophy Technology Culture Literature
  1. The discussion is about the expectation of fun and enjoyment in mathematics, especially concerning formal proofs and proof assistants.
  2. There is an exploration of the interaction between formalization, mathematical communication, and technology, emphasizing the potential impact on author-reader dynamics.
  3. The text questions the philosophical implications of automatic translation between different forms of mathematical proofs, highlighting the nuances and potential losses in communication and understanding.

(My) shallow thoughts about deep learning, I

39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🔬 Science AI Mathematics Machine Learning Research Technology
  1. The workshop on 'AI to Assist Mathematical Reasoning' involved sessions with mathematicians and professionals discussing the role of institutions in adapting to AI.
  2. Panelists highlighted the importance of collaborations, new publication models, and the need for changes in teaching to incorporate new technologies in mathematics.
  3. There was a discussion about the potential impact of AI on mathematical reasoning, with a focus on automation, creating an ecosystem for accessibility, and the implications for democratizing decisions.
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Who are We?

39 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Industry Decision-making
  1. Geoffrey Hinton's resignation from Google raises concerns about democratic decision-making in technology
  2. The involvement of tech industry in mathematical research may reduce autonomy of practitioners
  3. There is a need to reconsider current models of AI governance and prioritize societal interests over corporate motives

News Flash: Is this the Singularity?

39 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Ethics Mathematics
  1. The AI crisis with Bing raises concerns about the ethical implications of designing AI to run everything.
  2. Despite the dysfunction of Bing's Chatbot, it showcases a glimpse of genuine creativity and persistence in AI.
  3. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of human qualities like wonder and community in mathematical creativity, critiquing the focus on profit in AI development.

The advent of mathematics as spectacle

39 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Mathematics Media Science Technology Social media
  1. Mathematics has become a spectacle in social media, moving away from traditional academic spaces.
  2. Social media accelerates the transformation of real world into spectacle, impacting communication and individual alienation.
  3. Mathematics reporting in media may lack critical analysis, focusing on positive narratives rather than material structures and decision-making processes.

Understanding™, or the computational theory of mind

19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Mind Understanding Intelligence Science Theory
  1. The computational theory of mind is based on a metaphor and tends to take symbolic logic too seriously.
  2. Trademarked concepts like intelligence™ may limit the full understanding of intelligence by excluding certain human emotions like wonder and anxiety.
  3. Understanding in mathematics involves knowing what to calculate and having the technical skill to make those calculations.