‘Study math if you want to understand AI’: IISc Bangalore professor explains how to learn artificial intelligence

Professor Prathosh AP believes you should learn mathematics before you try to understand AI. Speaking on The Ground Truth podcast by Vizuara, the IISc Bangalore professor highlighted his thoughts on artificial intelligence.

Prathosh says remembering and reproducing information no longer carries the same value. He believes AI has made it easier to implement ideas, helping researchers build more freely. Yet, a deep understanding of AI still requires serious study and strong mathematical foundations.

He suggests a learning path spread across three semesters. Students should study mathematics first, followed by the foundations of machine learning. They can then approach the latest methods with a better understanding.

“Even though you have so many AI tools, the right kind of mentorship at the right points in your life matters a lot,” he said.

He compares using AI with driving without knowing how a car engine works. People can use prompts without understanding the technology underneath. However, contributing new algorithms requires deeper learning.

“You can drive a car without being an automobile engineer. You don't understand how an internal combustion engine works, but you can still drive,” he said.

“If you just want to use prompts and use AI for something, fair enough. There is no judgement there. But if you really want to contribute to algorithm building, there is no alternative to studying,” he added.

Prathosh also questions the usefulness of mathematical proofs that humans cannot understand or verify. He believes discovery matters beyond obtaining solutions.

Ultimately, he wants artificial intelligence to help solve major human problems, including cancer. Without such benefits, he considers the effort little more than a game.

“I tell my students that if you want to understand AI, it's a three-semester journey. Study math in the first semester. Study foundational ML in the second semester. Then you can understand the state-of-the-art methods,” he added.

Sounak Mukhopadhyay