Simulation theory

Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2010 Jul;1(4):527-538. doi: 10.1002/wcs.33. Epub 2010 Feb 5.

Abstract

Simulation plays a significant role in human cognition. This article reviews evidence for a simulational account of mind reading. Drawing on findings in developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience, it shows that mind reading involves the imitation, copying, or reexperience of the mind reading target's mental processes. The article also introduces evidence for simulational accounts of episodic memory and prospection. It identifies relevant similarities between mind reading, memory, and prospection as well as independent evidence for a role for simulation in memory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.