Repository | Book | Chapter

(2009) Mirror neuron systems, New York, Humana Press.
What is the connection between mirror processes and mindreading? The paper begins with definitions of mindreading and of mirroring processes. It then advances four theses: (T1) mirroring processes in themselves do not constitute mindreading; (T2) some types of mindreading ("low-level" mindreading) are based on mirroring processes; (T3) not all types of mindreading are based on mirroring ("high-level" mindreading); and (T4) simulation-based mindreading includes but is broader than mirroring-based mindreading. Evidence for the causal role of mirroring in mindreading is drawn from intention attribution, emotion attribution, and pain attribution. Arguments for the limits of mirroring-based mindreading are drawn from neuroanatomy, from the lesser liability to error of mirror-based mindreading, from the role of imagination in some types of mindreading, and from the restricted range of mental states involved in mirroring. "High-level" simulational mindreading is based on enactment imagination, perspective shifts or self-projection, which are found in activities like prospection and memory as well as theory of mind. The role of cortical midline structures in executing these activities is examined.
Publication details
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-479-7_14
Full citation:
Goldman, A. (2009)., Mirroring, mindreading, and simulation, in J. A. Pineda (ed.), Mirror neuron systems, New York, Humana Press, pp. 311-330.
This document is unfortunately not available for download at the moment.