Against Theory of Mind [Paperback]

The 'theory of mind' framework has been the fastest growing body of empirical research in contemporary psychology. It has given rise to a range of positions on what it takes to relate to others as intentional beings. This book brings together disparate strands of ToM research, lays out historical roots of the idea and indicates better alternativesIntroduction: Against 'Theory of Mind';? I.Leudar ?& A.Costall PART I: THEORY AND HISTORY On Historical Antecedents of 'Theory of Mind';? I.Leudar ?& A.Costall Theory of Mind: The Madness Behind the Method;? A.Costall ?& I.Leudar 'ToM': A Critical Commentary Continued;? W.Sharrock ?& J.Coulter PART II: APPLICATIONS Participants Don't Need Theories: Knowing Minds in Engagement;? V.Reddy ?& P.Morris Specifying Interactional Markers of Schizophrenia in Clinical Consultations; R.McCabe The Roots of Mindblindness;? S.Shanker ?& J.Stieben Who Really Needs a 'Theory' of Mind?; E.Williams Do Animals Need a Theory of Mind?; M.Bavidge ?& I.Ground PART III: ALTERNATIVES Closet Cartesianism in discursive psychology;? W.Sharrock A Dialogical Approach in Psychology: An Alternative to the Dualism of ToM; I.Markova Conclusion: ToM Rules, but it is not OK!; D.D.Hutto

'Against Theory of Mind is an essential remedy to the unquestioning approach of most books in the literature and as such is an essential read both for those who have maintained suspicion of the ToM literature over the years and for those who desire a heretic against which to test their faith...The arguments made have important implications for many areas of psychological research.' - Eric P. Charles, Contemporary Psychology (American Psychological Association)

'This book is worth paying attention to...It goes against mainstream contemporary philosophy of mind and psychology... and sheds light on hidden assumptions almost universally accepted by ToM, showing that these assumptions are not adequately reflected...[T]he manner il,