Gestural communication. Theory of mind and mirror neurons

Abstract

Human beings communicate through language, and also through gestures. Linguistic communication has its origins, both phylogenetic and ontogenetic, in gestural communication. We analyze two theoretical frameworks to explain gestural communication: Theory of Mind and Mirror Neurons. We consider that both theories are placed at different explanatory levels, but they are not incompatible. Theory of Mind is within the framework of cognitive and evolutionary psychology, while Mirror Neurons provide neuroscientific explanations, at the neural level, networks and systems.