The Inner Eye Theory of Laughter: Mindreader Signals Cooperator Value:

[摘要] In this hypothesis paper, I propose a three-component set of jointly necessary and sufficient trigger criteria for all cases of involuntary laughter. The theory incorporates concepts from the theory of mind in cognitive science. I then examine the information content of the laughter signal from a game theoretic perspective. I conclude that laughter is a signal of cooperator value as it provides information on the laugher's empathy with the attributed mental states and her sympathy levels for all affected by the laugh-inducing situation. Laughter also indicates what types of mental representations children, autistic people, nonhuman primates and adults possess and can falsify.

[学科分类] 社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

[关键词] animal signal;false belief;consciousness;cooperation;empathy;evolutionary psychology;folk psychology;game theory;happiness;humor;instant utility;laughter;mindreading;morality;representation;smile;sympathy;theory of mind