Folk Psychology in Cross-Cultural Context: A Non-Universalist Account Based on Interactive-Mindshaping Practices
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2025-02-24
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en
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This paper argues that folk psychology, deined as a belief-desire core, is not a universal occurrence but a culture-speciic adaptation of WEIRD societies (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic). The standard approach maintains that folk psychology results from the maturation of an individually possessed and universally present cognitive capacity called “mindreading.” My non-universalist approach is based on interactive-mindshaping practices such as
imitation, norm enforcement, and narrative encounters. These practices continuously shape the minds of individuals such that they can regulate their behaviour in accordance with a variety of culture-speciic norms. These practices can explain most cross-cultural variations in social interaction and understanding. Some cultures, like WEIRD societies, have developed folk psychological practices involving conceptual tools such as beliefs and desires. However, other cultures, like Samoa, embody a functioning society without engaging in such practices. Therefore, when actual social practices are considered, it turns out that folk psychology is not a universal occurrence.
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Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen