Mathematics, mathematicians, children and some educational dreams This paper is a consequence of our concern with the fragility imposed by mathematical illiteracy on adult society. Based on Piagetian researches, children are identified as active and competent learners. The possibilities for new mathematical cultures opened by the computer availability are also discussed. In this context, the narrow view of mathematics as a "quantity science" is pointed out as an obstacle for non-mathematicians to access the still little explored possibilities.
mathematics; mathematical illiteracy; competent learners; Jean Piaget's epistemology