Implicit and Explicit Mentalization and its Relationship to Introspection
Abstract
Abstract: In this paper I will discuss some claims made by Marraffa in his article Mindreading and Introspection. Early studies claimed that mentalization (or Theory of Mind – ToM) should first be observed during the preschool years. Subsequent research pointed out that ToM seems to be already present in infants. I will try to argue that the apparent inconsistency between these findings can be reduced by distinguishing between implicit and explicit ToM. From an evolutionary perspective the function of the two ToM systems seems to be different. The first is a genetically inherited neurocognitive mechanism which allows accurate expectations about behavior. The second is a culturally inherited skill, needed to modulate more complex social interactions. I will then discuss the relationship between implicit and explicit mentalization and introspection.
Keywords: Theory of Mind; Implicit Mentalization; Explicit Mentalization; Introspection; Cultural Transmission.
La mentalizzazione implicita ed esplicita e la sua relazione con l’introspezione
Riassunto: In questo articolo discuterò alcune tesi formulate da Marraffa nel suo Mindreading and Introspection. Studi precedenti hanno affermato che la mentalizzazione (o Teoria della Mente – TdM) dovrebbe essere osservata inizialmente durante gli anni precedenti la scolarizzazione. Ricerche successive hanno sottolineato che la TdM sembra essere già presente negli infanti. Cercherò di sostenere che l’apparente incongruenza tra questi risultati può essere ricomposta distinguendo tra una TdM implicita e una TdM esplicita. Da una prospettiva evoluzionistica la funzione dei due sistemi TdM sembra essere differente. Il primo è un meccanismo neuro cognitivo ereditario che permette di avere precise attese sul comportamento. Il secondo è un’abilità ereditata culturalmente, che ha bisogno di modellare più complesse interazioni sociali. Cercherò quindi di discutere il rapporto tra la mentalizzazione implicita ed esplicita e l’introspezione.
Parole chiave: Teoria della mente; Mentalizzazione implicita; Mentalizzazione esplicita; Introspezione; Trasmissione culturale.Parole chiave
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4453/rifp.2015.0025
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