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Re-imaging the intentional stance
Ahmad M Abu-Akel1, Ian A Apperly2, Stephen J Wood2,3,4
1Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|April 16, 2020
Summary
Investigating the intentional stance requires distinguishing between natural/artificial and intentional/automaton opponents. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to show that perceiving an opponent as intentional activates the mentalizing network.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The 'intentional stance' is a framework for understanding behavior by attributing mental states.
- Previous studies confound opponent's nature (human/computer) with intentionality.
- A novel experimental design is needed to isolate these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural basis of the intentional stance.
- To orthogonally manipulate opponent embodiment (human/computer) and intentionality (active/passive).
- To clarify the mentalizing network's role in attributing intentionality.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study.
- Participants competed against human or computer opponents.
- Opponent behavior varied between active responses and passive scripted actions.
- Orthogonal manipulation of embodiment and intentionality.
Main Results:
- Perceiving any opponent as intentional activated the mentalizing network (TPJ, temporal pole, aPCC, precuneus).
- Interacting with humans vs. computers activated a right-lateralized subnetwork (TPJ, aPCC).
- Interaction effects recruited the left frontal pole, suggesting processing of expectancy violations.
Conclusions:
- The perception of intentionality alone engages the core mentalizing network.
- Embodiment influences the specific neural regions involved in social cognition.
- An orthogonal design is crucial for accurately studying Dennett's intentional stance.
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