Theory of Mind: A Brief Review from Historical Roots to Contemporary Developments
Theory of Mind: A Brief Review from Historical Roots to Contemporary Developments

Summary/Abstract: The concept of mind has been addressed across various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the literature can be complex for newcomers. Although the concept of "mind" is approached differently across these fields, they all seek to answer the same fundamental question: What is a mind, and how can we access the mind of another? This article examines the philosophical foundations of the mind's existence and explores contributions from psychology and neuroscience on how we comprehend others' mental states. The review aims not only to categorize and summarize previous literature on Theory of Mind (ToM) but also to highlight recent debates and research conducted in Türkiye. In this context, the paper discusses the philosophical roots, theoretical frameworks, assessment methods, the relationship between ToM and language, neural correlates, developmental processes, and associations with psychopathology. In conclusion, this review offers a multidisciplinary perspective on current discussions, underscoring the importance of integrating global theoretical models with local research findings.

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