Mind Reading: Human Origins and Theory of Mind
Most humans are able to understand their own mental states and that of others through verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. This "Theory of Mind" allows us to understand one another, in a sense - to read minds. Learn more about the social mind, its evolution and discover if any other animals can also read minds.
(from uctv.tv)
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What is Theory of Mind?
Ralph Adolphs (Caltech) provides an overview on how best to define Theory of Mind, how to relate it to other similar terms, and how to study it.
"Mind Reading" in Chimpanzees
For many years, Tetsuro Matsuzawa (Kyoto Univ) has studied chimpanzees both in the laboratory and in the wild. In this talk he presents several examples of "mind reading" in chimpanzees based on his research in the lab and observations in the field.
Comparing Apes and Dogs
A key feature of human social interactions is the ability to make inferences about other individuals' mental states (e.g. others' knowledge, beliefs and desires).
The Social Brain in Adolescence
Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (Univ College London) discusses how the social brain, that is, the network of brain regions involved in understanding others, develops during adolescence.
Reflections of Dolphin and Elephant Minds
The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror, once considered a uniquely human attribute, is shared by great apes, dolphins, elephants and magpies.
Mirror Neurons and More
Mirror neurons were first discovered in the brain of macaque monkeys neurons active both when the monkey executed certain actions and when he observed others performing similar actions.
Brain Imaging Studies
Over the past two decades, research investigating the neural basis of social abilities suggests that the human brain has dedicated systems for understanding other minds.
Emergence of Theory of Mind in Human Babies
Jessica Sommerville (Univ of Washington) reviews evidence to suggest that, within the first year of life, infants develop an understanding of transient mental states, enduring personal dispositions, and socio-moral norms.
What Makes Humans Different?
In this talk, Elizabeth Spelke (Harvard Univ) asks whether studies of human infants provide insights into the origins and nature of uniquely human social cognitive capacities.
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