The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of Daniel Tammet, referred to as a "superbrain" and savant, particularly focusing on his unique abilities related to numbers and memory. Participants explore the implications of his condition, the nature of savantism, and the role of synesthesia in his cognitive processes.
Participants express differing views on the classification of Tammet as a savant and the role of synesthesia in his abilities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these classifications and the nature of synesthesia.
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of savantism and synesthesia, as well as the assumptions made about cognitive abilities and their origins. Some statements rely on personal interpretations and anecdotal evidence.
Daniel Tammet.Ivan Seeking said:This person
He is called a savant. The word superbrain might seem to imply that an individual in question has a strongly expressed , not that he has brain damage.Ivan Seeking said:called a superbrain
zoobyshoe said:Neither seizures nor brain damage make people more intelligent. The explanation for the improved I.Q. lies in the fact that people with deficits often adopt a policy of taking extra care to overcompensate for the deficits. Tammet has the added mnemonic device of synesthesia to aid his memory.
I have no idea what you're talking about. Who said anyone added synesthesia?Ivan Seeking said:How does one add synesthesia?
Now I'm confused!zoobyshoe said:Who said anyone added synesthesia?
Tammet has the added mnemonic device of synesthesia to aid his memory.
"Synaesthetists have a natural advantage when it comes to memory because the brain is more likely to record something in the long term when it ties in with the senses. An event or an object is more memorable when it has sounds, pictures, texture and particularly smell associated with it."Mk said:Now I'm confused!
zoobyshoe said:I have no idea what you're talking about. Who said anyone added synesthesia?
I don't know what that has to do with anything. It is clearly mentioned in the link I posted when I brought it up:Ivan Seeking said:I didn't see synethesia mentioned by anyone but you.
While considering the question, it was observed that, he appeared to be drawing shapes on the table with his finger. When asked about this, he explained that he could see the numbers as shapes and colours in his mind. This breakdown or confusion of the senses is known as synethsesia.
From the second link I posted:It isn't a sensory experience such as tasting shapes, etc, as is found with synesthesia.
To him, (pi) is not an abstract set of digits, but instead it appears almost as a story or a film projecting in front of him. Tammet has a rare but well-documented syndrome called synaesthesia, in which the stimulation of one of the senses triggers a reaction in other senses too. Synaesthesia manifests itself in different ways, but in some people it means they get multiple sensory reactions when exposed to numbers.
Actually I suspect your original error is that you reversed the order of the words "the" and "added" in your mind when you read this sentence: "Tammet has the added mnemonic device of..." and mistook me to be claiming he somehow artificially added this ability himself.Edit: Never mind, I hadn't seen the other link yet.
zoobyshoe said:Actually I suspect your original error is that you reversed the order of the words "the" and "added" in your mind when you read this sentence: "Tammet has the added mnemonic device of..." and mistook me to be claiming he somehow artificially added this ability himself.
The first link I posted clearly said synesthesia. I just quoted the exact words to you in my previous post.Ivan Seeking said:The first link that you posted said nothing about it. That was the source of confusion.
Here, once again, is the link:http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk/misc/danieltammet.htmlWhile considering the question, it was observed that, he appeared to be drawing shapes on the table with his finger. When asked about this, he explained that he could see the numbers as shapes and colours in his mind. This breakdown or confusion of the senses is known as synethsesia.