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Theory of mind: A foundational component of human general intelligence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2017

David Estes  and
Karen Bartsch
David Estes
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071estes@uwyo.edubartsch@uwyo.edu
Karen Bartsch
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071estes@uwyo.edubartsch@uwyo.edu
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Abstract

To understand the evolution of general intelligence, Burkart et al. endorse a “cultural intelligence approach,” which emphasizes the critical importance of social interaction. We argue that theory of mind provides an essential foundation and shared perspective for the efficient ontogenetic transmission of crucial knowledge and skills during human development and, together with language, can account for superior human general intelligence.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 40 , 2017 , e201
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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