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A standard view in the neuroscience literature is that the frontal lobes sustain our ability to process others' mental states such as beliefs, intentions and desires (this ability is often referred to as having 'theory of mind'). Here we report evidence from brain-damaged patients showing that, in addition to involvement of the frontal lobes, the left temporoparietal junction is necessary for reasoning about the beliefs of others.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nn1223

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Neurosci

Publication Date

05/2004

Volume

7

Pages

499 - 500

Keywords

Aged, Brain Injuries, Cognition Disorders, Culture, Female, Frontal Lobe, Functional Laterality, Humans, Male, Mental Processes, Middle Aged, Problem Solving, Psychomotor Performance, Social Perception, Verbal Behavior, Visual Perception