​The purpose of the book is to propose and exploit an analytical, critical, well defined theory of a very crucial human social relation that I call “Tutelarity/ Tutelage”. This will thus explain how/why such relation is so relevant at any layer of sociality: from affective relationships, to social cooperation and interactions, to politics and democracy. The approach is theoretical and strongly grounded on cognitive science and the models of human mind: beliefs, desires, expectations, emotions, etc. Written in an accessible way, it will be of interest for a large audience, specifically to researchers and scientists interested in cognitive science and the dynamics of social relationships alike.

Dr. Castelfranchi is a full professor of "Cognitive Sciences" (General Psychology) at the University of Siena, Department of Communication Science since 2001, in addition to being the Director of the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies of the National Research Council (ISTC-CNR) in Rome from 2002-2011.