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Four Colour Theorem: when a computer first beat mathematicians

Original: The Four Colour Theorem: The first time machines mogged mathematicians

A new essay revisits the Four Colour Theorem, proved in 1976 with heavy computer assistance by Kenneth Appel and Wolfgang Haken at the University of Illinois — the first major mathematical result no human could fully verify by hand. It frames the episode as an early controversy over machine-assisted proof and machine scepticism toward experts, drawing comparisons to today's debates about AI.

Why now: Debates over AI doing work once reserved for human experts are making people revisit this landmark moment of machines outperforming mathematicians

Kenneth AppelWolfgang HakenFour Colour TheoremUniversity of Illinois

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