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:
“If my theory of relativity is proven correct, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say that I am a German and Germany will declare that I am a Jew.”
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
“We have our little theory on all human and divine things. Poetry, the workings of genius itself, which, in all times, with one or another meaning, has been called Inspiration, and held to be mysterious and inscrutable, is no longer without its scientific exposition. The building of the lofty rhyme is like any other masonry or bricklaying: we have theories of its rise, height, decline and fall—which latter, it would seem, is now near, among all people.”
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881)
“Much of the success of life depends upon keeping one’s mind open to opportunity and seizing it when it comes.”
—Alice Foote MacDougall (1867–1945)