The chapters collected in this volume represent the state-of-the-art of research on the development of intentional action and intentional understanding--topics that are at the intersection of current research on imitation early understanding of mental states goal-directed behavior in nonhuman animals executive function language acquisition and narrative understanding to name just a few of the relevant foci. Collectively the contributors demonstrate that intentionality is a key issue in the cognitive and social sciences. Moreover in a way that was anticipated more than a century ago by the seminal work of J. Mark Baldwin they are beginning to reveal how the control of action is related in development to children's emerging self-conscious and their increasingly sophisticated appreciation of other people's perspectives. This volume brings together the world's leading researchers on early social and cognitive development in an in-depth exploration of children's understanding of themselves and others. . Language: English