The Permeable Boundary

The construction of shared intersubjective space in strategic relationships

Abstract

This article focuses on the relational aspects of strategic interactions. First, we highlight how some of the limitations of the classical theory of games can hinder a deeper understanding of two fundamental dimensions of interpersonal relations, which are essential to our social epistemology: the mentalizing and empathizing processes. Secondly, we present the results of a series of experiments that stress the role of these two elements in the realm of strategic interactions. Finally, we argue that, by conceptualizing a hierarchy of higher order beliefs, psychological game theory seems to constitute a promising step forward towards the introduction of relational elements in the motivational structure of social agents and in the understanding of the intersubjective space we build and share when interacting with others.