Alan Leslie

Alan Leslie is a prominent researcher in cognitive development, particularly known for his work on Theory of Mind (ToM). ToM refers to our ability to understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, and intentions that may differ from our own. Leslie proposed that humans are born with a specialized cognitive mechanism for interpreting behavior as being driven by mental states. His theories suggest that developing ToM is crucial for social interactions and communication, influencing how we relate to and empathize with others from a young age. This understanding helps explain social behavior and cognitive development in children.