Theory-theory

Theory-theory (or ‘Theory Theory’) is a scientific theory relating to the human development of understanding about the outside world.^[1] This theory asserts that individuals hold a basic or ‘naïve’ theory of psychology ("folk psychology") to infer the mental states of others^[1] (such as beliefs, desires or emotions), and use this information to understand the intentions behind that person’s actions or predict future behaviour. Theory Theorists use the term 'perspective taking' to describe how one makes inferences about another person's inner state using theoretical knowledge about the other's situation.^[2]

This approach has become popular with psychologists as it gives a basis from which to explore human social understanding.^[3] Beginning in the mid-1980s, several influential developmental psychologists began advocating the theory theory: the view that humans learn through a process of theory revision closely resembling the way scientists propose and revise theories.^[4] Children observe the world, and in doing so, gather data about the world's true structure. As more data accumulates, children can revise their naive theories accordingly. Children can also use these theories about the world's causal structure to make predictions, and possibly even test them out.^[5] This concept is described as the ‘Child Scientist’ theory,^[6] proposing that a series of personal scientific revolutions are required for the development of theories about the outside world, including the social world.

In recent years, proponents of Bayesian learning have begun describing the theory theory in a precise, mathematical way. The concept of Bayesian learning is rooted in the assumption that children and adults learn through a process of theory revision; that is, they hold prior beliefs about the world but, when receiving conflicting data, may revise these beliefs depending upon their strength.^[4]

Comparison with other theories

ToM

Theory-theory is closely related to Theory of Mind (ToM) (which concerns mental states of people), but differs from ToM in that the full scope of theory-theory also concerns mechanical devices or other objects, beyond just thinking about people and their viewpoints.^{[citation needed]}

Simulation theory

In the scientific debate in mind reading, Theory Theory is often contrasted with simulation theory, an alternative theory which suggests simulation or cognitive empathy is integral to our understanding of others.^[7]

References