Introduction

Abstract

Schlicht and Seemann offer a broad approach to the different dimensions of mind reading in the twentieth century. They explore how historically the phenomenon presented itself as a new field of enquiry for disparate forms of practices and disciplines (such as physiology, psychology, occultism, statistics, criminology) and, thus, became a “contest zone” for and between different actors. On a conceptual level, they argue, “mind reading” enabled the creation of a shared reference for a socially and epistemically heterogeneous group of actors and practices. Finally, Schlicht and Seemann map the (epistemic) elements within the concept of mind reading: the question of organizing modern subjectivities; technical innovations and the critical reflection of their effects; a fear of the possibilities associated with mind reading; as well as the question of the nature of individual and collective consciousness.