Neural systems involved in "theory of mind".
What is the nature of our ability to understand and reason about the beliefs of others--the possession of a "theory of mind", or ToM? Here, we review findings from imaging and lesion studies indicating that ToM reasoning is supported by a widely distributed neural system. Some functional components of this system, such as language-related regions of the left hemisphere, the frontal lobes and the right temporal parietal cortex, are not solely dedicated to the computation of mental states. However, the system also includes a core, domain-specific component that is centred on the amygdala circuitry. We provide a framework in which impairments of ToM can be viewed in terms of abnormalities of the core system, the failure of a co-opted system that is necessary for performance on a particular set of tasks, or the absence of an experiential trigger for the emergence of ToM.
Siegal
Michael
M
Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TP, UK. m.siegal@sheffield.ac.uk
Varley
Rosemary
R
D000679:Amygdala / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D003638:Deafness / Q000503:physiopathology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012919:Social Behavior; D014705:Verbal Behavior / Q000502:physiology