Using theory of mind

ABSTRACT—The ability to flexibly predict others ’ behaviors has been ascribed to a theory of mind (ToM) system. Most research has focused on formal conceptual definitions of such a system, and the question of whom to credit with a ToM. In this article, I suggest shifting perspective from formal definitions to a usage-based approach. This approach views action within human interaction as cen-tral to the emergence and continuous development of the ability to flexibly predict others ’ behaviors. Addressing the current debate about whether infants have a ToM, I illus-trate how infants use flexible action expectations to interact with others appropriately. I also discuss the con-tinuous development of ToM and its natural structure from a usage-based perspective. KEYWORDS—action prediction; usage-based theory; fals