Book cover of Can Fish Count? What Animals Reveal about Our Uniquely Mathematical Minds

Book description

'What I like best about this fascinating book is the detail. Brian Butterworth doesn't just tell us stories of animals with numerical abilities: he tells us about the underlying science. Elegantly written and a joy to read' - Professor Ian Stewart, author of What's the Use? and Taming the Infinite

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Why read it?

1 author picked Can Fish Count? What Animals Reveal about Our Uniquely Mathematical Minds as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

In contrast to the other books that delve into a wide array of questions surrounding animal cognition, this book hones in on a specific mental capacity: the number sense.

The numerical system we're taught in school often stands as a symbol of human intellectual achievement. However, Can Fish Count? takes us on a captivating journey, exploring counting practices across various cultures, from the Incas and Mayans to the Warlpiri, then delving deep into prehistory to Neanderthals, and even examining a diverse range of creatures including primates, insects, and yes, fish.

Brian Butterworth's riveting research unveils a surprising truth: counting is…

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A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

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