Theory of mind is the ability to attribute mental states—beliefs, intents, desires, pretending, knowledge, etc.—to oneself and others and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that are different from one's own. Deficits occur in people with autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, as well as neurotoxicity due to alcohol abuse. Though there are philosophical approaches to issues raised in such discussions, the theory of mind as such is distinct from the philosophy of mind.
Read more about Theory Of Mind: Defining Theory of Mind, Philosophical Roots, Theory of Mind Development, Empirical Investigation, Theory of Mind Deficits, Non-human Theory of Mind
Famous quotes containing the words theory of, theory and/or mind:
“A theory of the middle class: that it is not to be determined by its financial situation but rather by its relation to government. That is, one could shade down from an actual ruling or governing class to a class hopelessly out of relation to government, thinking of gov’t as beyond its control, of itself as wholly controlled by gov’t. Somewhere in between and in gradations is the group that has the sense that gov’t exists for it, and shapes its consciousness accordingly.”
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“every subjective phenomenon is essentially connected with a single point of view, and it seems inevitable that an objective, physical theory will abandon that point of view.”
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“Thou blind man’s mark, thou fool’s self-chosen snare,
Fond Fancy’s scum and dregs of scattered thought,
Band of all evils, cradle of causeless care,
Thou web of will whose end is never wrought;
Desire! desire, I have too dearly bought
With price of mangled mind thy worthless ware;”
—Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)