[Neural Mechanisms Enabling Flexible Cognition Based on Behavioral Prediction of the Self and Others].

We can mentally simulate future possibilities and choose appropriate actions, even in situations that are completely novel. This flexible action selection involves introspection (metacognition) that is prominent in primates. I elucidated that flexible cognition in both social and non-social situations is enabled by an ability of prospective introspection (metacognition of the future). The process critically depends on the posterior inferior parietal lobule and the anterior lateral prefrontal area 47.