OpenAI Faces Backlash Over Exaggerated GPT-5 Math Claims
OpenAI Faces Criticism Over GPT-5's Alleged Math Breakthroughs
OpenAI recently found itself at the center of a controversy after claims about GPT-5's mathematical prowess were called into question by leading figures in the AI and mathematics communities.
What Happened?
The debate began when Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s Vice President, posted on social media that GPT-5 had found solutions to 10 previously unsolved Erdős problems and made progress on 11 others. Erdős problems are well-known unsolved mathematical conjectures proposed by the legendary mathematician Paul Erdős.
This announcement was quickly amplified by OpenAI researchers, drawing public attention and excitement within the tech community. However, this celebration was short-lived.
Expert Pushback
Mathematician Thomas Bloom, who curates the Erdos Problems website, responded by clarifying that the problems labeled as "open" on his site merely indicated that he was personally unaware of existing solutions—not that the problems were unsolved by the broader mathematical community. He stated, "GPT-5 found references, which solved these problems, that I personally was unaware of."
This clarification led to a wider discussion, with Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun describing the situation as OpenAI being "hoisted by their own GPTards," and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis calling it "embarrassing." The backlash highlighted the importance of fact-checking and context when making claims about AI achievements.
OpenAI's Response
Following the criticism, OpenAI researcher Sebastien Bubeck acknowledged that GPT-5 had only surfaced existing solutions from the literature, rather than generating new proofs. He added that even this task is challenging, as it requires advanced literature search capabilities—a valuable but less sensational accomplishment.
Key Takeaways for AI and Business Leaders
- Transparency Matters: Overstating AI's capabilities can lead to reputational damage and public mistrust.
- Literature Search is Valuable: Even if GPT-5 did not solve the problems itself, its ability to identify existing research is still a significant tool for researchers and businesses.
- Critical Evaluation is Essential: Business leaders should scrutinize AI claims, ensuring that AI-generated insights are accurately represented and understood.
Conclusion
This episode serves as a reminder that while AI continues to make impressive strides, clear communication and careful validation of results are crucial. As the field evolves, both AI developers and users must remain vigilant about the difference between true breakthroughs and simple rediscoveries.
