Martin Capstick

Martin Capstick is a postgraduate researcher.

I have broad interests in phenomenology, philosophy of mind, and
philosophy of psychology. Specifically, I am interested in how phenomenological research applies to problems in the philosophy of mind and psychology (e.g., embodiment, intersubjectivity, temporality, expertise and so on).

Thesis Title:
Re-examining Folk Psychology’s Primary Function

Thesis Summary:

I set out to supplement the phenomenological critics of 'folk psychology' (the position that the attribution of propositional attitudes to others is central to explain and predict their behaviour). I focus on prediction since the opponents of traditional forms of folk psychology (i.e., theory theory and simulation theory)agree that the prediction of behaviour is the primary function of social understanding. My hypothesis is that the attribution of propositional attitudes is not central to our ability to predict others' behaviour.

There are two central themes in my dissertation that addresses the phenomenon of predicting others' behaviour. The first is expertise. Since many phenomenological critics argue that terpersonal understanding is a 'skill', I look at what it means to be a 'social expert'. One central aspect of being a 'social expert', I argue, is being able to predict/anticipate what others will do. Secondly, another central claim made by the phenomenological critics is that social understanding is primarily 'interactive'. Therefore, I want to focus on more interactive means of anticipating what people will do as a contrast to 'mentalistic' ways of predicting what others will do.

Supervisors:

Prof. Matthew Ratcliffe & Dr. Andy Hamilton

Research Group:

Applied Phenomenology

Current Teaching:

Introduction to Philosophy - 2010-2011 - St Mary's University, Canada
Aesthetics: Classical Traditions - 2010 - St Mary's University, Canada

Conference Presentations:

"From the Individual to the Folk", Atlantic Region Philosopher's Association, University of King's College, October 16, 2010
"Intersubjective Maximum Grip and Social Understanding", University of Guelph Graduate Conference, March 13, 2010
"Making Progress in Understanding Prediction", Atlantic Region Philosopher's Association, Cape Breton University, October 17, 2009
"Skillful Predictions", Applied Phenomenology Research Day, Durham University, March 23, 2009
"Dennett and Lone-Wolf Phenomenology", Atlantic Region Philosopher's Association, St. Mary's University, October 27, 2007

Contact:

Email Martin Capstick at j.m.capstick^at^durham.ac.uk