Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WILDMINDS (Minds in the wild: conceptualizing and attributing the mental among Mongolians)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-09-01 do 2024-08-31
The WILDMINDS project critically addresses a dominant approach to folk Theory of Mind (ToM). I argue that this approach has been culturally biased by the Western notion of the "mind." This approach centers on internal mental states and assumes a universal cognitive structure across cultures. However, this assumption often overlooks the rich diversity of how non-Western cultures conceptualize the “mind,” especially in societies where relations with human and non-human agents and the environment play a more central role. Animistic cultures like Mongolia do not necessarily share the Western exclusive focus on internal states. Instead, Mongolians widely employ the notion of "setgel," a complex concept that encapsulates internal cognitive states, as well as body, social feelings, and relationality. This project investigates the Mongolian notion of "setgel" to highlight the contrast with the Western cultural model of “mind”.
The project is designed to test the assumption that folk ToM is exclusively about internal, individual cognition. By providing a culturally embedded study of the Mongolian cultural model of the “setgel,” the project offers an alternative perspective that highlights the importance of social, ecological, and relational factors. This research has broad implications for models of social cognition but also, indirectly, for environmental policy. In Mongolia, where traditional animistic beliefs shape interactions with the natural world, understanding how the concept of "setgel" differs from Western cultural models can inform more culturally sensitive approaches to environmental management. By revealing how Mongolians attribute minds not only to humans but also to non-human entities and natural phenomena, WILDMINDS will contribute to anthropological, cross-cultural psychological research and cognitive science of religion, offering pathways for integrating culture into cognitive science. The project aims to produce empirical data that will push cognitive scientists to rethink the universality of folk theories of mind. It also seeks to explore whether the Mongolian cultural model of the “mind” is solely a result of cultural evolution or if it reflects deeper, universal cognitive features. By incorporating anthropology and psychology, WILDMINDS will provide innovative methods and insights into the intersection of culture and cognition.
WILDMINDS will have both scientific and societal impact. Scientifically, it will advance research that challenges the current Western-dominated frameworks in cognitive science, emphasizing the need to account for cultural variability in mental concepts. The interdisciplinary approach, blending anthropology and psychology, will yield new insights into how social cognition is shaped by culture. Societally, the findings could potentially contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how different cultures perceive and relate to their environment, providing valuable data for environmental policymakers in Mongolia and beyond.
The project is designed to test the assumption that folk ToM is exclusively about internal, individual cognition. By providing a culturally embedded study of the Mongolian cultural model of the “setgel,” the project offers an alternative perspective that highlights the importance of social, ecological, and relational factors. This research has broad implications for models of social cognition but also, indirectly, for environmental policy. In Mongolia, where traditional animistic beliefs shape interactions with the natural world, understanding how the concept of "setgel" differs from Western cultural models can inform more culturally sensitive approaches to environmental management. By revealing how Mongolians attribute minds not only to humans but also to non-human entities and natural phenomena, WILDMINDS will contribute to anthropological, cross-cultural psychological research and cognitive science of religion, offering pathways for integrating culture into cognitive science. The project aims to produce empirical data that will push cognitive scientists to rethink the universality of folk theories of mind. It also seeks to explore whether the Mongolian cultural model of the “mind” is solely a result of cultural evolution or if it reflects deeper, universal cognitive features. By incorporating anthropology and psychology, WILDMINDS will provide innovative methods and insights into the intersection of culture and cognition.
WILDMINDS will have both scientific and societal impact. Scientifically, it will advance research that challenges the current Western-dominated frameworks in cognitive science, emphasizing the need to account for cultural variability in mental concepts. The interdisciplinary approach, blending anthropology and psychology, will yield new insights into how social cognition is shaped by culture. Societally, the findings could potentially contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how different cultures perceive and relate to their environment, providing valuable data for environmental policymakers in Mongolia and beyond.
Initial Phase (First 6 Months): The project began with a theoretical literature review, focusing on cultural models of the mind and their cross-cultural variations. During this period, preparations for the upcoming fieldwork were also completed, including methodological design and logistics. A theoretical paper on “cultural models” (in general) was drafted, setting the foundation for the empirical work to follow.
Fieldwork in Mongolia (2023, 4 Months): During the first fieldwork, a combination of ethnographic participant observation, free-listing methods, surveys and interviews were employed. The research initially surveyed various Mongolian mental terms and identified "setgel" as the most general and versatile term representing the mental domain. Through free-listing tasks with 112 participants (split between Ulaanbaatar and the countryside), data were gathered on how people conceptualize "setgel," what it is composed of, and its relation to social and environmental factors.
Key results from this phase revealed a strong normative-relational dimension in the Mongolian model of "setgel," reflecting its focus on social connections and relational norms. This contrasts sharply with the Western internalist view of the mind. The study also demonstrated the porosity of the "setgel" – it can be influenced by spirits, ancestors, and lamas, shamans, aligning with Mongolian animistic worldviews. These insights were supplemented by follow-up surveys and interviews.
Ethnographic Filming: As part of the fieldwork, ethnographic filming captured significant cultural practices related to "setgel," with a key episode focusing on a shamanic possession ritual. The filmed material, which illustrates the relational dynamics and spiritual aspects of "setgel," will be developed into an ethnographic documentary.
Post-Fieldwork Data Analysis (2023–2024): Following the fieldwork, the data underwent preliminary analysis, further refining the study design. A workshop was conducted to present initial findings and a draft screening of the ethnographic film. The results thus far have demonstrated the unique features of the Mongolian cultural model of "setgel," particularly its relational and normative dimensions.
Second Fieldwork Phase (2024): A shorter follow-up fieldwork period was conducted to gather additional data. This phase aimed to explore how the normative-relational nature of "setgel" influences social judgments. The study tested whether these judgments are driven more by relational norms rather than internal intentions, further distinguishing the Mongolian model of mind from the Western model. The results of this study are being prepared for a separate paper, which will propose an alternative approach to social cognition that centers on indigenous notions of the mental.
Ongoing Data Analysis: The data from the second fieldwork and overall project findings are still being processed and analyzed. The final analysis will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Mongolian model of "setgel" and its implications for social cognition, presenting a compelling challenge to the current Western-dominated ToM framework.
Fieldwork in Mongolia (2023, 4 Months): During the first fieldwork, a combination of ethnographic participant observation, free-listing methods, surveys and interviews were employed. The research initially surveyed various Mongolian mental terms and identified "setgel" as the most general and versatile term representing the mental domain. Through free-listing tasks with 112 participants (split between Ulaanbaatar and the countryside), data were gathered on how people conceptualize "setgel," what it is composed of, and its relation to social and environmental factors.
Key results from this phase revealed a strong normative-relational dimension in the Mongolian model of "setgel," reflecting its focus on social connections and relational norms. This contrasts sharply with the Western internalist view of the mind. The study also demonstrated the porosity of the "setgel" – it can be influenced by spirits, ancestors, and lamas, shamans, aligning with Mongolian animistic worldviews. These insights were supplemented by follow-up surveys and interviews.
Ethnographic Filming: As part of the fieldwork, ethnographic filming captured significant cultural practices related to "setgel," with a key episode focusing on a shamanic possession ritual. The filmed material, which illustrates the relational dynamics and spiritual aspects of "setgel," will be developed into an ethnographic documentary.
Post-Fieldwork Data Analysis (2023–2024): Following the fieldwork, the data underwent preliminary analysis, further refining the study design. A workshop was conducted to present initial findings and a draft screening of the ethnographic film. The results thus far have demonstrated the unique features of the Mongolian cultural model of "setgel," particularly its relational and normative dimensions.
Second Fieldwork Phase (2024): A shorter follow-up fieldwork period was conducted to gather additional data. This phase aimed to explore how the normative-relational nature of "setgel" influences social judgments. The study tested whether these judgments are driven more by relational norms rather than internal intentions, further distinguishing the Mongolian model of mind from the Western model. The results of this study are being prepared for a separate paper, which will propose an alternative approach to social cognition that centers on indigenous notions of the mental.
Ongoing Data Analysis: The data from the second fieldwork and overall project findings are still being processed and analyzed. The final analysis will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Mongolian model of "setgel" and its implications for social cognition, presenting a compelling challenge to the current Western-dominated ToM framework.
Challenging Western Folk Theory of Mind (ToM):
The project presents the first systematic empirical investigation into the Mongolian notion of "setgel". The results challenge existing universalist (internalist) assumptions in ToM research.
Normative-Relational Focus in Social Cognition:
Specifically, results reveal that "setgel" is more strongly associated with social norms and relational dynamics than intentions or internal states. This finding has significant implications for models of social cognition, suggesting the need to incorporate non-Western, relational models into broader theories and acknowledge the role of culture.
Porosity of Mind and Animism:
The research demonstrated the porosity of "setgel," where mental states are perceived as influenced by ancestors, spirits, and shamans. This aligns with an animistic worldview, highlighting a cultural variation in the perceived boundaries between mind and world. The concept of a porous mind also pushes the limits of the current ToM framework.
Innovative Methodological Approach:
By combining anthropology with psychology, the project employed field research methodologies (e.g. free-listing, interviews, and ethnographic observation) to study mental concepts in a non-Western context. This interdisciplinary approach advances the tools available for cross-cultural cognitive science.
Potential Impacts:
-Further Research: The findings suggest a need for further exploration into how relational models of mind function across other cultures (including Western).
-Policy Implications: The study could inform environmental and social policy in Mongolia, especially regarding traditional beliefs in animism and how they shape interactions with the environment.
-Broader Applications: These results can influence how social cognition is framed and how the anthropology approach can be incorporated into a psychological toolkit, promoting a more inclusive and culturally nuanced understanding of human cognition.
The project presents the first systematic empirical investigation into the Mongolian notion of "setgel". The results challenge existing universalist (internalist) assumptions in ToM research.
Normative-Relational Focus in Social Cognition:
Specifically, results reveal that "setgel" is more strongly associated with social norms and relational dynamics than intentions or internal states. This finding has significant implications for models of social cognition, suggesting the need to incorporate non-Western, relational models into broader theories and acknowledge the role of culture.
Porosity of Mind and Animism:
The research demonstrated the porosity of "setgel," where mental states are perceived as influenced by ancestors, spirits, and shamans. This aligns with an animistic worldview, highlighting a cultural variation in the perceived boundaries between mind and world. The concept of a porous mind also pushes the limits of the current ToM framework.
Innovative Methodological Approach:
By combining anthropology with psychology, the project employed field research methodologies (e.g. free-listing, interviews, and ethnographic observation) to study mental concepts in a non-Western context. This interdisciplinary approach advances the tools available for cross-cultural cognitive science.
Potential Impacts:
-Further Research: The findings suggest a need for further exploration into how relational models of mind function across other cultures (including Western).
-Policy Implications: The study could inform environmental and social policy in Mongolia, especially regarding traditional beliefs in animism and how they shape interactions with the environment.
-Broader Applications: These results can influence how social cognition is framed and how the anthropology approach can be incorporated into a psychological toolkit, promoting a more inclusive and culturally nuanced understanding of human cognition.