Single Idea 3394

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

Full Idea

There is the "theory" theory of commonsense psychology, and also a "simulation" theory, which says it is not a matter of laws, but of simulating the behaviour of others, using ourselves as models.

Gist of Idea

Maybe folk psychology is a simulation, not a theory

Source

Jaegwon Kim (Philosophy of Mind [1996], p.123)

Book Reference

Kim,Jaegwon: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Westview 1998], p.123


A Reaction

Using ourselves as models may be the normal and correct way to relate to people within our own culture, but we have to start theorising when we encounter (e.g.) suicide bombers.