theory of mind
noun [ C or U ] psychology specialized uk/ˌθɪə.ri əv ˈmaɪnd/ us/ˌθɪr.i əv ˈmaɪnd/
心智理论
the ability to understand that other people have thoughts, knowledge, and feelings that are not the same as yours
Older children have developed a theory of mind; they understand that other people sometimes have false beliefs. 年龄较大的孩子已经形成了一套心智理论,他们明白其他人有时会有错误的信念。
Theory of mind is used when making judgments and inferences about others' behaviour. 心智理论用于对他人的行为做出判断和推论。
- More examples
- The selective forces that gave rise to our large brains and our full-blown theory of mind remain mysterious.
- Young children don't develop a theory of mind until they're nearly 4 years of age.
- Some scientists at the conference believe chimps have a true theory of mind.
- For an animal to lie, it has to have what's called a theory of mind.
- Birds, it seems, can have theories of mind, too.