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Theory of Mind

Theory of mind is the understanding that others have intentions, desires, beliefs, perceptions, and emotions different from one’s own and that such intentions, desires, and so forth affect people’s actions and behaviors.

Neurotypical children show the rudiments of theory of mind as toddlers, have a limited understanding of the relationship between belief and action by age 3, and can begin to infer false beliefs in others by around age 4 (see false-belief task). There has been considerable controversy about whether nonhuman animals have this ability.

Source: “theory of mind” American Psychological Association (APA) Dictionary of Psychology.

See also: “belief-desire reasoning” and “mindblindness“

Homepage » All Articles » Theory of Mind

Theory of Mind

Theory of mind is the understanding that others have intentions, desires, beliefs, perceptions, and emotions different from one’s own and that such intentions, desires, and so forth affect people’s actions and behaviors.

Neurotypical children show the rudiments of theory of mind as toddlers, have a limited understanding of the relationship between belief and action by age 3, and can begin to infer false beliefs in others by around age 4 (see false-belief task). There has been considerable controversy about whether nonhuman animals have this ability.

Source: “theory of mind” American Psychological Association (APA) Dictionary of Psychology.

See also: “belief-desire reasoning” and “mindblindness“

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