project

The aim of the project is to explore more closely the impact of literature, especially diverse narrative styles, on human mindreading abilities in the context of variously currently discussed theories of mindreading. Connections between literature and mindreading are now being investigated within various disciplines. However, there are many areas that have not yet been properly examined. These include (1) the impact of the techniques for representing mental states in narrative literature (fiction) representing realist, modernist and postmodern conventions on the reader’s mindreading competence (2) the impact of all kinds of literary and artistic techniques used in narrative literature (fiction) on the reader’s mindreading competence viewed in the light of various theories of mindreading. We take up these issues in our research.

In our research we also attempt to show how culture-specific factors dominant in a given social group influence and model evaluation of literary characters. Special attention in our studies is paid to the character’s attitude towards challenges he faces, his decisions, his personality traits, his mental states (beliefs, desires and thoughts) as well as folk psychology which guide him in his life. The profile of our research project fits into contemporary investigations of how culturally defined thinking can shape reading and understanding of literary works in terms of both evaluation of literary characters, comprehension of plot, and perception of time implied in the work.