> How much math do I need to approach NLP in a way that enables me to be among the best?
The best in what? If you mean pushing the boundaries of research, yes, then your path there will likely involve a PhD. If you mean building the best technology products, then being able to read, understand and implement the biggest recent advances is enough and usually requires far less mathematical knowledge.
(That was intentionally written generically since I think that it applies to more than just NLP)
>If you mean pushing the boundaries of research, yes, then your path there will likely involve a PhD.
Yes I mean pushing the boundaries, but I think it is important to stress that a PhD is not a prerequesite to do that. Anyone who is talented enough can learn the necessary math.
Getting paid for research work is a different story of course. A PhD undoubtedly helps with that, but this is Hacker News. People might figure something out.
The best in what? If you mean pushing the boundaries of research, yes, then your path there will likely involve a PhD. If you mean building the best technology products, then being able to read, understand and implement the biggest recent advances is enough and usually requires far less mathematical knowledge.
(That was intentionally written generically since I think that it applies to more than just NLP)