Portrait of Lord Melvyn Bragg, host of In Our Time

Theory of mind

In psychology, theory of mind refers to the capacity to understand other people by ascribing mental states to them (that is, surmising what is happening in their mind). This includes the knowledge that others' mental states may be different from one's own states and include beliefs, desires, intentions, emotions, and thoughts.

2 episodes

Episodes in this category also belong to the following categories:

  1. Consciousness

    Melvyn Bragg examines why the elusiveness and impenetrability of consciousness continues to fascinate both philosophers and scientists. Is the human mind just not built to understand its own basis?

    25 November 1999

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    Featuring: Ted Honderich, Roger Penrose

     
  2. Panpsychism

    Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the idea that there is a third way between those who say we have a material body and a separate soul or psyche and those who say we are matter alone

    25 January 2024

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    Featuring: Tim Crane, Joanna Leidenhag, Philip Goff