Opinions against the PhD, from an incoming PhD applicant

Mathematics is beginning to face a turbulent age due to the rapid advancements of AI systems. A recent Summit on PhD Math Education in the Age of AI (CMSA) discussed recommendations on the adaptations for the Math PhD programs. While I agree with the main points, this post is an opinion on my major objection to the proposed direction of PhD in mathematics. I argue for a radical change in the defin…