Single Idea 2987

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 4. Folk Psychology]

Full Idea

It is not easy to employ our folk psychology in the understanding of persons in a very different culture.

Gist of Idea

Folk psychology works badly for alien cultures

Source

William Lyons (Approaches to Intentionality [1995], p.241)

Book Reference

Lyons,William: 'Approaches to Intentionality' [OUP 1998], p.241


A Reaction

This strikes me as a highly significant problem for the friends of folk psychology. It also breaks down in extreme situations, or with mental illness. It seems closer to culture than to brain structure.