Open AccessClinically Significant Disturbance: On Theorists Who Theorize Theory of Mind
Author(s) -
Melanie Yergeau
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
disability studies quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2159-8371
pISSN - 1041-5718
DOI - 10.18061/dsq.v33i4.3876
Subject(s) - theory of mind , oppression , humanity , narrative , rhetoric , rhetorical question , psychology , autism , sociology , epistemology , agency (philosophy) , psychoanalysis , cognition , politics , philosophy , social science , developmental psychology , linguistics , theology , neuroscience , political science , law
This essay is an autie-ethnographic narrative that traces the problems with and limits of theory of mind (ToM) as it is currently constructed in psychology and cognitive studies. In particular, I examine the role of the body in ToM—or rather, the ways in which autistic people are dis embodied in theories about ToM. I argue that theories about ToM deny autistic people agency by calling into question their very humanity and, in doing so, wreak violence on autistic bodies. I suggest, furthermore, that feminist rhetorical studies represent one potential location for dismantling the complex web of oppression that ToM has come to signify. Keywords: theory of mind; autism; rhetoric; violence; embodiment