I’m an undergrad currently taking real analysis, so I know I’m nowhere near having the background to properly understand Inter-universal Teichmüller theory. That said, I recently came across it and I’m really curious about the controversy surrounding it, especially its claimed proof of the ABC conjecture.
From what I understand, the disagreement is not just about how difficult the math is, but something deeper, like whether parts of the argument are even verifiable or acceptable within standard mathematical practice. Some mathematicians seem to accept Shinichi Mochizuki’s work, while others are still unconvinced even after years.
Given that my background is limited to real analysis, I’m not expecting a full technical explanation. But I would really appreciate it if someone could explain, at as high a level as possible while still being mathematically honest, what the core point of disagreement actually is. Is it a specific gap, a foundational issue, or more about communication and framework?
Also, how should someone at my level think about this situation? Is it more like an unresolved dispute, or is there a broader consensus forming one way or the other?