Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Getting over "the problem of other minds": communication in context
1Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. alan.costall@port.ac.uk <alan.costall@port.ac.uk>
Infant Behavior & Development
|March 24, 2007
Summary
Communication theories often focus on a single essence, shifting from linguistic competence to "Theory of Mind." This paper argues "Theory of Mind" is insufficient, proposing a context-based "breadth psychology" for understanding communication.
Area of Science:
- Communication Studies
- Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Communication theories frequently posit a singular, developmental telos for communication.
- Historically, this essence was linguistic competence; currently, it is often defined as "Theory of Mind."
- The "problem of other minds" remains a fundamental, unsolved challenge within "Theory of Mind."
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique the limitations of "Theory of Mind" as the sole determinant of communication.
- To propose an alternative framework for understanding communication.
- To advocate for a context-dependent approach over essentialist views.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing communication theories.
- Critique of the "Theory of Mind" construct.
- Development of a "breadth psychology" model emphasizing context.
Main Results:
- "Theory of Mind" is shown to be an inadequate and superficial explanation for communication.
- The "problem of other minds" is presented as an intractable issue for "Theory of Mind"-based approaches.
- A context-based "breadth psychology" offers a more robust framework for communication.
Conclusions:
- Rejecting essentialist views of communication, such as "Theory of Mind."
- Advocating for a paradigm shift towards context-dependent "breadth psychology."
- Highlighting the limitations of current psychological frameworks in fully explaining communication.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Barriers to Effective Communication I
A communication barrier is any distortion or interruption during a conversation, resulting in miscommunication of the message. A good communicator should know these barriers and continuously check for the listener's understanding by obtaining feedback.
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this barrier...
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this barrier...
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
01:28Communication
Sharing information, concepts, and emotions to foster mutual understanding is communication. The sender, recipient, and transaction must be considered in this manner. The sender is the person who shares the message, the recipient is the person who receives and understands the message, and the transaction is the method used to deliver the message and the variables that affect the communication's context and surroundings. The nurse-client connection is built on therapeutic communication.
Within...
Within...
01:03Communication
Communication between two animals occurs when one animal transmits an information signal that causes a change in the animal that receives the information. Organisms communicate with one another in a host of different ways. Signals can be auditory, chemical, visual, tactile, or a combination of these. Communication is a critical behavioral adaptation that promotes survival, growth, and reproduction.