Relations between self-understanding and other-understanding: similarities and interactions

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the relation between self-understanding and other-under-standing. In this context, three theories of mentalization will be considered: theory theory, simulation theory and the person model theory. Two types of issues will be analyzed: (I) whether the abilities involved in self- and other-understanding are identical or diverse and (II) whether the abilities of self- and other-understanding are distinct or intertwined. These questions will be applied to theory theory, simulation theory and the person model theory; they will also be placed in the context of selected research concerning this issue.