‘The development of mathematical thinking': entering into the social practices of number use

The general view in die field of number development and arithmetic research is mat there is an inevitable progression towards me understanding of arithmetic in that its basic subject matter is contained within children's minds, needing only abstraction to bring it out. It is assumed that mathematics is a natural product of die human mind. Thus Starkey and Gelman claim that:

Number forms a natural cognitive domain …. Some number abilities are natural human abilities in die sense mat some language abilities are natural human abilities …. Counting, or more generally the ability to abstract precise numerosities across discrete objects, appears to be a central and basic ability in die number domain.

(1982: 112–13)