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Mathematicians with Aphantasiaaphantasia (Inabilityinability to Visualize Thingsvisualize things in One's Mindone's mind)

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflowMathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

Mathematicians with Aphantasia (Inability to Visualize Things in One's Mind)

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

Mathematicians with aphantasia (inability to visualize things in one's mind)

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of Mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

deleted edit about former hold status
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Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

edit: can people who think this question should be placed on hold or closed explain why? "The site works best for well-defined questions: math questions that actually have a specific answer. You'll notice that there is the occasional question making a list of something, asking about the workings of the mathematical community, or something else which isn't really a math question. Such questions can be helpful to the community, but it is extremely tricky to ask them in a way that produces a useful response." My question should not be closed, because - unlike with some philosophical, subjective questions - there is a mechanism in place ensuring only valuable responses. Only people with aphantasia can reply.

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

edit: can people who think this question should be placed on hold or closed explain why? "The site works best for well-defined questions: math questions that actually have a specific answer. You'll notice that there is the occasional question making a list of something, asking about the workings of the mathematical community, or something else which isn't really a math question. Such questions can be helpful to the community, but it is extremely tricky to ask them in a way that produces a useful response." My question should not be closed, because - unlike with some philosophical, subjective questions - there is a mechanism in place ensuring only valuable responses. Only people with aphantasia can reply.

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

Post Reopened by Joel David Hamkins, Joonas Ilmavirta, Wolfgang, Steven Gubkin, Leo Alonso
protesting hold status
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Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

edit: can people who think this question should be placed on hold or closed explain why? "The site works best for well-defined questions: math questions that actually have a specific answer. You'll notice that there is the occasional question making a list of something, asking about the workings of the mathematical community, or something else which isn't really a math question. Such questions can be helpful to the community, but it is extremely tricky to ask them in a way that produces a useful response." My question should not be closed, because - unlike with some philosophical, subjective questions - there is a mechanism in place ensuring only valuable responses. Only people with aphantasia can reply.

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

Are there any mathematicians with aphantasia? If so, could they please elaborate upon what their experience with mathematics is like?

I realize that this question probably falls outside of the scope of mathoverflow, but it's so shocking that such a fundamental mental difference exists that I think the question is worth asking here anyways. Even if it gets closed, which I suspect it will, if even one mathematician with aphantasia sees this and has the startling revelation that they have aphantasia, I'll be 1000000% glad I posted the question.

*inability to visualize things in one's mind. see this note that went viral recently for a more detailed explanation: https://www.facebook.com/notes/blake-ross/aphantasia-how-it-feels-to-be-blind-in-your-mind/10156834777480504

edit: can people who think this question should be placed on hold or closed explain why? "The site works best for well-defined questions: math questions that actually have a specific answer. You'll notice that there is the occasional question making a list of something, asking about the workings of the mathematical community, or something else which isn't really a math question. Such questions can be helpful to the community, but it is extremely tricky to ask them in a way that produces a useful response." My question should not be closed, because - unlike with some philosophical, subjective questions - there is a mechanism in place ensuring only valuable responses. Only people with aphantasia can reply.

Post Closed as "Not suitable for this site" by Loïc Teyssier, Alexey Ustinov, Will Jagy, Moritz Firsching, András Bátkai
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