Dr. Kanyanee Saechua, Lecturer in General Education, Faculty of Education, Siam Technology College.
When we talk about "mathematics," many people may think of numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or formulas that need to be memorized. But in reality, mathematics is the science of logical thinking, and today, that kind of thinking process...
It no longer belongs solely to the thinking of humans. The arrival of... Alpha Proof Alpha Geometry Google's DeepMind artificial intelligence system is an innovation that has forced the field of mathematics to re-examine its understanding. This isn't just an AI that's "good at calculations," but an AI that can actually create mathematical proofs on its own.
Alpha Proof Alpha Geometry what is it
Alpha Proof Alpha Proof is an AI system developed to create step-by-step and logically accurate mathematical proofs. This system has been trained using over 15,000 real-world mathematical research articles, meaning Alpha Proof not only finds the answer but also explains the reasoning behind it.
Alpha Geometry This is an AI system specializing in geometry, designed to solve geometric problems through step-by-step reasoning, not just by substituting formulas. It systematically examines the relationships between points, lines, and angles. The system gradually constructs new facts, such as drawing auxiliary lines or discovering hidden relationships, ultimately leading to a mathematically accurate proof of the answer.
when AI Surpassing Humans on the Math Olympiad Stage
In 2024, the Google DeepMind team tested both systems against real problems from the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024, the most advanced mathematics competition for high school students worldwide. The results showed that they were able to solve 4 out of 6 problems, achieving a total score of 28 out of 42 points. This score is comparable to that of a silver medalist in the Olympiad. In comparison, a typical human silver medalist in the competition achieves scores of around 25–30 points, competing over two days at 4.5 hours per day. Google DeepMind's AI system achieved similar scores and even solved some problems, particularly complex geometry problems, in seconds (approximately 19 seconds), reflecting its remarkable speed in solving high-level mathematical problems.
when AI Once you've figured it out, where should humanity stand?
With the launch of Alpha Proof and Alpha Geometry, it's clear that AI capabilities are developing rapidly and relentlessly. From now on, AI will not be limited to data centers or applications, but will become an integral part of the knowledge system that humans use to think, analyze, and make decisions on crucial societal issues.
This shift inevitably leads to the crucial question of whether humans will continue to play analytical thinking roles in the future. Will many professions, even those requiring logic and imaginative skills, disappear and be entirely replaced by AI? These impacts are already clearly evident in many sectors, particularly the education system, which may face changes in the role of teachers, learning styles, and the processes of knowledge transfer. If AI can analyze, create theories, and prove facts independently, and can effectively convey knowledge to students, the role of teachers as direct transmitters of knowledge will inevitably be challenged, leading to the question of whether teachers in schools or universities will still be necessary for education in the present and future.
What should Thailand do next?
From the author's perspective, the teaching profession remains essential to the education system because students still need interaction with instructors, which can create more motivation, engagement, and emotional connection than technology. If AI develops to a level where its capabilities are nearly or equal to humans in the future, humans will need to learn and develop alongside such technology, using AI as a tool to enhance their potential and maximize its benefits.
From this perspective, Thailand should prioritize systematic planning for the development and implementation of AI, particularly in education and research. This is to ensure that AI serves as a tool to enhance human potential, develop human resources, and elevate the country's capabilities, rather than diminishing or replacing human roles. Furthermore, if the education system is strong and adaptable to technological changes, it will subsequently lead to positive development in other national systems, including the economy, society, and innovation.
Dr. Kanyanee Saechua, Lecturer in General Education, Faculty of Education, Siam Technology College.
