Explore the Extraordinary Mind of Daniel Tammet

  • Thread starter Thread starter Evo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mind
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Daniel Tammet, a savant known for his exceptional mathematical and memory abilities. Participants explore his unique cognitive processes, including his ability to visualize numbers as colors and shapes, and the implications of his skills on intelligence and practical contributions to science. The conversation touches on various aspects of savant abilities, including comparisons to other forms of intelligence and the potential for practical applications of such talents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight Tammet's ability to memorize and recite large sequences of numbers, noting its extraordinary nature.
  • Others discuss the distinction between being functional, intelligent, and smart, suggesting that these traits do not always align.
  • A few participants express skepticism about the practical contributions of savants to science, questioning whether Tammet's abilities will lead to significant advancements.
  • There is mention of Tammet's synesthesia, where he perceives numbers as colors and shapes, and how this might aid his memory.
  • Some participants propose that intelligence and stupidity can exist independently, reflecting on the complexity of cognitive abilities.
  • One participant suggests that Tammet's ability to learn languages rapidly may be linked to his visual memory skills.
  • Another participant compares Tammet's natural visualization abilities to techniques used by memory champions, indicating a difference in innate talent versus learned skills.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of admiration for Tammet's abilities and skepticism about the broader implications of savant skills. There is no consensus on the practical applications of his talents or the relationship between different types of intelligence.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference the limitations of savant contributions to science, suggesting a potential bias against those with mental disabilities. The conversation also reflects varying definitions of intelligence and the subjective nature of cognitive abilities.

  • #31
Well, I suppose two years ago wasn't so recently, but!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Thanks MK, I'd missed that.

"Daniel claims that since the age of four, he has been able to do huge mathematical calculations in his head. So the makers of this documentary put him to the test, asking him to calculate 37 raised to the power of 4. He completed this in less than a minute, giving the correct answer of 1,874,161. 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.

Next he was asked to divide 13 by 97. This time the researchers had the answer to 32 decimal places, Daniel gave the answer and continued beyond 32. He claims he can do the calculations to 100 decimal places.

He appears to be doing the mathematical calculations without actually thinking about it, which seems preposterous, but if true, blows away scientific theory."

We really know so very little about what the brain is capable of.
 
  • #33
I am watching a show about Daniel on the Discovery Health channel right now. It is titled "http://health.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=111524&gid=0&channel=DHC" . It comes on again tonight at 11:00 Eastern Standard Time if anyone is interested.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #34
Yes, its on my TV now too thanks Larkspur!

Man, that rainman guy makes him look like nothing! whew..

Sometimes this guy has to think of the answer, but rainman just spits it out w/o hesistation. Amazing.
 
Last edited:
  • #35
I know who I'd rather be out of Rainman and Brainman
 
  • #36
i'll take the third option.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Could Savant Minds Unlock New Insights in Physics?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Graduate RIP Edwin F Taylor (1931-2025)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
The Scientist as Hero - or not
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Medical The Human Mind and Predicting Behavior
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Graduate The Kantian Wall - The Meaning of Space, Time, and Mass in Modern Physics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Graduate Super Free Will: Metaprogramming and Quantum Indeterminism
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
7K
Death, Nothingness and Subjectivity
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
What Is the Nature of Consciousness in Our Universe?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 266)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 218)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K