How to read minds

Tim Bayne*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Most animals have mental states of one sort or another, but few species share our capacity for self-awareness. We are aware of our own mental states via introspection, and we are aware of the mental states of our fellow human beings on the basis of what they do and say. This chapter is concerned with the prospects of a rather different and significantly more recent 'mindreading' capacity: the capacity to ascribe mental states to a creature based on information derived from neuroimaging. It analyzes the foundational issues that are likely to confront the use of any neuroimaging technology to read minds, no matter how sophisticated it may be.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationI know what you're thinking
Subtitle of host publicationBrain imaging and mental privacy
EditorsSarah D. Richmond, Geraint Rees, Sarah J. L. Edwards
Place of PublicationOxford, UK
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages41-58
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9780191745669
ISBN (Print)9780199596492
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Mental states
  • Mindreading
  • Neuroimaging

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