The theory-theory holds that people infer others’ minds by applying learned implicit laws.

Evidence

Modern theory of mind has a complex history beginning in the philosophy of science and mind. It starts with the quandary of “other minds.” How can two people, whose thoughts are enclosed within separate skulls, ever know each other’s thoughts? The literature on theory of mind offers two apparently competing solutions, which are of general interest in social psychology, a discipline uniquely qualified to serve as a hub of research in the area (Epley & Waytz, 2010; Goldman, 2006). One solution to the quandary is called the theory-theory (Gopnik & Wellman, 1994), according to which children and adults operate like scientists who acquire a set of implicit principles or theories about the workings of the physical and social world. In the process of learning about other minds, children acquire a knowledge base or folk psycho logy about the beliefs, desires, and intentions of others. In this acquired theory, people act on the basis of their desires, beliefs, and intentions (e.g., Jane buys a Starbucks latte every afternoon because she thinks it makes her more alert). In addition, the theory views people as capable of metacognition about the mental states of self and others (e.g., Jane doesn’t know that I know she is such a loyal Starbucks customer). — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 373

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clear exposition of the theory-theory solution to the other-minds problem, with a concrete Starbucks example.
• QUESTION: The chapter sets up two competing solutions; worth tracking the second one (simulation theory) as the contrast.