AToM: An Analogical Theory of Mind

Abstract

Theory of Mind (ToM) is what gives adults the ability to predict other people’s beliefs, desires, and related actions, and has been heavily studied in psychology. When ToM has not yet developed, as in young children, social interaction is difficult. Cognitive systems that interact with people on a regular basis would benefit from having a ToM. In this research summary, I propose a computational model of ToM, Analogical Theory of Mind (AToM), based on Bach’s [2012, 2014] theoretical Structure-Mapping model of ToM. Completed work demonstrates how ToM might be learned under this model. Future steps include a full implementation and test of AToM.