Developing the Mind, Minding Development

Abstract

This chapter bridges the next ones on free will, reviewing (a) the development of executive function, which includes self-control and inhibition, and (b) developmental versions of models that have informed the present work (biopsychosocial, embodiment, NLDST). It bridges the previous chapter by presenting views on development of theory of mind. In all these spheres, a primary issue concerns the nativist vs. learning perspectives and the speed of development in the different domains. For example, is early theory of mind/ false belief understanding best considered as being (a) implicit, rule-based, and emergent-expressive or (b) explicit reasoning, and mentalizing based, including in usage-base? In these acquisitions, are biologically-based systems, such as mirror neuronal systems, or environmentally-based ones, such as parenting and rapid cultural learning, more involved? Integrative models, of course, would argue that all these factors are involved in the multifactorial complexity of behavioral causality. Finally, the chapter considers that Piagetian concepts have much to offer the needed integration in the field.