The dark side of thinking through other minds

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Anthropology
• Cultural Evolution Studies
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• The Temporal Theory of Mind (TTOM) has emerged as a valuable framework for studying cultural evolution.
• Previous research, such as Veissière et al., has not fully explored the potential negative implications of TTOM.
• Existing models often focus on meme- or organism-centered fitness based on free-energy minimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significant contributions of TTOM to understanding cultural evolution.
• To expose and analyze the underexplored negative implications of TTOM.
• To propose a revised theoretical framework for cultural evolution.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of the Temporal Theory of Mind (TTOM).
• Comparative review of existing literature on cultural evolution and fitness concepts.
• Theoretical development of a social system-centered view.

Main Results:

• TTOM provides substantial benefits for the study of cultural evolution.
• The application of TTOM reveals previously unaddressed negative implications.
• These implications challenge traditional meme- and organism-centered fitness concepts.

Conclusions:

• A social system-centered view is proposed as a more comprehensive approach to cultural evolution.
• This perspective moves beyond free-energy minimization models.
• Understanding the full scope of TTOM, including its darker aspects, is crucial for advancing the field.