Abstract

Most people politely assume that their friends, family, and neighbors have minds. What rationally entitles them to this assumption? Some argue that the belief in the consciousness of others can be explained by analogical induction—if I am conscious and other people are like me, then they must be conscious too. Others claim that the mental states of others are, quite literally, directly perceived, just as objects in our immediate environment are. This chapter argues that neither explanation is adequate. Instead, it argues that attributing mental states––including experiences––to others is rational because it constitutes the best explanation of their behavior.