What Counts: How Every Brain is Hardwired for Math

by Brian Butterworth

Book Overview

At first glance, neuropsychologist Brian Butterworth's What Counts: How Every Brain Is Hardwired for Math might infuriate mathphobes who insist that they just can't get a handle on numbers. Could it... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684854171
• ISBN13: 9780684854175
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A Challenge to a Popular Myth

"What Counts" is a necessary rebuttal to the idea of mathematical giftedness or genius in general which pervades our culture and manifests itself in Hollywood movies like "Good Will Hunting" and, more tragically, in our system of education. The author confronts both of these issues in detail.For example, on Hollywood's prodigy Will Hunting he challenges anyone to come up with a real life example of this character which would be a counter example to his premise which states that higher mathematical learning/ability is a result of zeal, hard work (10 years for truly great achievements), and exposure to the necessary culture, i.e. teachers and books.As Butterworth explains, Will Hunting seemingly has no zeal for anything but girls and spends most of his time in bars yet he knows all about and comprehends arcane mathematical concepts and myriad other subjects.Mathematicians may like to hang on to the idea of their own giftedness for the sake of their egos and most people who see "Good Will Hunting" think the character is believable so this book is a definite challenge to a popular myth.Except for the chapters dealing strictly with mathematics which are not necessary (and hence the lack of 5 stars) this book may inspire people to work hard instead of making excuses.Look for more on this subject from author/mathematician Keith Devlin with his book (coming out in August) "The Math Gene: Why Everybody Has It, but Most People Don't Use It."

Simply outstanding... Could revolutionize math learning

In this highly readable book, Prof. Brian Butterworth (a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of London) argues persuasively for a new comprehension of the development and exercise of mathematical ability. Proponent of a separate center for mathematical intelligence, Butterworth nevertheless argues that the existence of a biological 'numerical center' means that nearly everyone has the capacity to become highly proficient at mathematics and mathematical thinking. Especially interesting to me was his demonstration of the futility of rote learning--and his trenchant dissection of the educational causes of most people's mathematical anxieties and related math difficulties... I've read widely on this topic, and have heretofore remained unenlightened. In addition to advancing a new basis for the way we must view math skills and teach them, Butterworth writes cogently and compellingly, adducing powerful evidence for his findings from provocative new research. This is an optimistic book. It makes clear that, Hollywood be damned, Will Hunting lives in all of us.