Abstract

Social cognition refers to a wide cognitive domain comprising empathetic and syntonic abilities and the ability to understand others' mental states, to adopt behaviours that are socially appropriate and suitable for the context with respect to socially learned moral and ethical norms. This paper illustrates some of the most significant theoretical models that have provided the basis for social cognition studies and also attempts to understand the neural bases of socially inadequate behaviour in light of the latest discoveries in the field of the neurosciences. In the first part of the article, studies are presented that focus on the theoretical definition and implications of the concept of social cognition. Then, the most recent studies on the behaviour of patients with the frontal variant of frontotemporal dementia are presented.