The Number Sense: How the Mind Creates Mathematics [Paperback]

The clear organization of the book, described from the onset, was my first clue that this was a bit more polished than other works. From a gradual examination of an innate "number sense" in even lower animals, through babies identifiying that 1+1 is not 1 or 3 but 2, up to the examination of innate calculatory facilities, this book covers it all. By the end, you will have been presented with practically all the evidence you need to make your own conclusion--and the case for the existance of the "number sense" is incredible. Psychology and neurology are both linked to the examination.

As a math teacher, I've even gleaned a few points to help in the presentation of the topic to my students. While I don't agree with all of the authors views on education, I do think he made some very profound points (the comment that standardized education has probably stunted natural development ofthe culture--specifically language--is a good example.)

Probably my only real disappointment with the book is the author's overemphasis on evolution throughout the text. Yes, most technical types unfortunately seem to be passionate about evolution's role in everything nowadays; it wouldn't have been that big a deal had the last few pages of the book not delved wholeheartedly into a philosophical expository of how mathematicians of the past were silly to have attributed the apparent design of the mind to match the universe numerically to a God, when evolution is an available alternative. However, this small distasteful thread didn't really detract from the research. (In fact, in practically all other maters the author is refreshingly objective and unbiased, examining counterpoints to his theories and conclusions.)

In all, the book still earns its five stars for rigor, fascinating material, objective examination, and clear presentation. Well worth the read, well worth the purchase.

When I finally read it was as impressed with Dehaene's science as with his literary flair - not to mention the excellence of his self-translation. His thesis is fascinating, his references authoratitive and his story telling masterful.

This book should fascinate everyone who can count up to two or beyond. Dry it is not. Beyond the interest he develops in the subject are the insights he gives into the ingenuity with which psychological experiments can be designed to eliminate the flaws that a layperson would think unavoidable.

There is a darker side, however. Like that other fellow with his lethal experiments with chicks to test for chemical changes relating to memory, there are allusions to intrusive experiments on living subjects . True, these were some time ago and Dehaene exhibits a proper degree of unease about them. None the less I am much more comfortable with the ingenious ape and baby tests. In my view, no matter how intriguing the question, and how beguiling arguments of research potential leading to new therapies, there is a line that should not be crossed. Dehaene, I'm glad to say, seems aware enough not to cross it.

Fascinating. Highly recommended.