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Theory of mind and the "somatic market mechanism" (SMM)

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Bruce Charlton

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Abstract

The "somatic marker mechanism" (SMM; Damasio 1994) is proposed as the cognitive and neural basis of the theory of mind mechanism. The SMM evolved for evaluating the intentions, dispositions, and relationships of conspecifics; hence, it is adaptive in the social domain. It is predicted that chimpanzees will indeed have theory of mind (ToM) ability, but that this will be socially domain-specific. Domain-general ToM will be found only in primates with abstract, symbolic language (adult humans). Putative ToM tests require revision in the light of these distinctions.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Charlton BG

Publication type: Note

Publication status: Published

Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Year: 2001

Volume: 24

Issue: 6

Pages: 1141-1142

Print publication date: 01/12/2001

ISSN (print): 0140-525X

ISSN (electronic): 1469-1825

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X01250146

DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X01250146

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