# From Theory of Mind to Theory of Environment: Counterfactual Simulation of Latent Environmental Dynamics

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.01599 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.01599/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 0 of its 19 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 4 Jan 2026.

## Abstract (arXiv)

The vertebrate motor system employs dimensionality-reducing strategies to limit the complexity of movement coordination, for efficient motor control. But when environments are dense with hidden action-outcome contingencies, movement complexity can promote behavioral innovation. Humans, perhaps uniquely, may infer the presence of hidden environmental dynamics from social cues, by drawing upon computational mechanisms shared with Theory of Mind. This proposed "Theory of Environment" supports behavioral innovation by expanding the dimensionality of motor exploration.