# Live from ICM 2026: What Is Math For in the Age of AI?
At the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia, some of the world's leading mathematical minds gathered to wrestle with a question that has become impossible to ignore: what is the purpose of mathematics in an era when artificial intelligence can increasingly handle complex computations and proofs on its own? The live discussion brought together perspectives from across the mathematical community, making it one of the most thought-provoking sessions of the congress.
The heart of the conversation centered on what mathematicians truly value about their work. Is mathematics primarily about reaching answers, or is the process of discovery itself the point? As AI tools grow more capable, these questions are no longer purely philosophical. They carry real consequences for how mathematics is taught, practiced, and funded in the years ahead.
The session ultimately highlighted a tension that the mathematical community will need to confront head-on. If an AI can solve a problem faster than any human, does the human journey toward that solution still matter? Many participants argued that mathematical thinking builds intuition, creativity, and deep understanding that goes far beyond any single result. Whether AI becomes a tool that enhances that journey or one that shortcuts it entirely may define the future of the discipline.