Social Mind: A Philosophical Introduction

The Social Mind: A Philosophical Introduction explores the cognitive capacities that enable us to think about other people's minds, evaluating key philosophical theories against empirical findings from neuroscience, anthropology, developmental psychology, and cognitive ethology. It addresses fascinating questions such as how we think about other people's minds, when we need to think about them, what kinds of thoughts we attribute to others, and how the ability to think about other minds differs for individuals on the autism spectrum. The book applies these questions to case studies, including mirror neurons, infant social cognition, false belief tasks, and cross-cultural studies, and is an ideal entry point into this fast-moving and exciting field for students of philosophy of mind and psychology, as well as those in related subjects.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 20 December 2018
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The Social Mind: A Philosophical Introduction delves into the intricate realm of human cognition, exploring the profound capacity to contemplate and understand the thoughts of others. This captivating exploration examines the cognitive mechanisms that enable us to engage with the mental states of others, be it consciously or subconsciously. It critically examines key philosophical theories on the nature of mindreading, comparing them with empirical findings from neuroscience, anthropology, developmental psychology, and cognitive ethology. Throughout the book, readers are presented with thought-provoking questions such as: How do we perceive the minds of others? Do we adopt their perspectives to comprehend their thoughts? When is it necessary to contemplate another person's thoughts? What types of thoughts do we attribute to others? Are they mere propositional attitudes, as suggested by analytic philosophers, or could they encompass more complex mental states? The Social Mind: A Philosophical Introduction sheds light on the neural underpinnings of our mindreading abilities, unraveling the intricate processes that facilitate our capacity to understand and interpret the thoughts of others. It also delves into the unique perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum, shedding light on their distinct cognitive processes. Furthermore, the book explores whether a preoccupation with other people's thoughts is a Western phenomenon or a universal trait found across cultures. It examines the developmental stages of children's mindreading abilities and investigates whether non-human animals possess the capacity to think about other minds.

Through a series of case studies, including mirror neurons, infant social cognition, false belief tasks, and cross-cultural studies, The Social Mind: A Philosophical Introduction provides a comprehensive and accessible exploration of these complex topics. Each chapter is accompanied by chapter summaries, annotated further reading, and a glossary, making it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the fascinating field of social cognition.

\n Weight: 342g\n
Dimension: 245 x 173 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138831483\n \n