Numbers are Things in Time – Seven Reflections on the Cognitive Foundation of 'Math'

20 Pages Posted: 22 Sep 2012

See all articles by Per Aage Brandt

Per Aage Brandt

Case Western Reserve University - Department of Cognitive Science

Date Written: September 21, 2012

Abstract

These reflections are based on the need to develop a viable alternative to the hypothesis deriving numbers from spatial cognition through conceptual metaphor. Instead, temporal cognition is seen as directly involved with intersubjective articulations and symbolizations of time units. I suggest that the bodily experience of music, dance, and singing are primordial and responsible for the elementary symbolic numeracy allowing humans to refer to and share temporal instances. This derivation does not necessarily involve metaphor at all.

Keywords: Numbers, metaphor, temporal cognition, music, rhythm, symbolization, value, blending, synesthesia

Suggested Citation

Brandt, Per Aage, Numbers are Things in Time – Seven Reflections on the Cognitive Foundation of 'Math' (September 21, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2150207 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2150207

Per Aage Brandt (Contact Author)

Case Western Reserve University - Department of Cognitive Science ( email )

10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7068
United States
216 368 2725 (Phone)

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