Episodic memory and theory of mind: A connection reconsidered. (15th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoerl, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Mind & language. Volume 33:Number 2(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2018-02-15
• Subjects: episodic memory -- experience -- mental concepts -- phenomenal knowledge -- theory of mind; Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 153.42
• DOI: 10.1111/mila.12170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-1064

Abstract

Abstract : A familiar claim in the literature on episodic memory in both psychology and philosophy is that engaging in episodic recollection requires grasp of a theory of mind. In this paper, I re‐examine what connection, if any, there is between episodic memory and theory of mind. I first criticize the dominant way in which this connection has been construed theoretically, which has sought to link the possession of episodic memory with a grasp of the idea of representation, or the idea of informational access. I then argue for a novel, alternative, way of connecting episodic memory and theory of mind, which focuses on the role a grasp of the category of an experience might be seen to play in episodic recollection. In doing so, I also draw attention to a dimension of our understanding of the mental which is as yet underexplored in the literature on theory of mind.