Are knowledge- and belief-reasoning automatic, and is this the right question?

Behav Brain Sci. 2021 Nov 19:44:e172. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X20001880.

Abstract

Phillips et al. conclude that current evidence supports knowledge-, but not belief-reasoning as being automatic. We suggest four reasons why this is an oversimplified answer to a question that might not have a clear-cut answer: (1) knowledge and beliefs can be incompletely equated to perceptual states, (2) sensitivity to mental states does not necessitate representation, (3) automaticity is not a single categorical feature, and (4) how we represent others' minds is dependent on social context.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Knowledge*
  • Problem Solving*