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Intentionality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intentionality

[ษชnหŒtษ›nสƒษ™หˆnรฆlษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

philosophy, psychology

Intentionality refers to the capacity of the mind to be directed towards something, such as an idea, object, or state of affairs. It is a key concept in both philosophy of mind and psychology, often discussing how thoughts can represent or pertain to things outside of themselves. This notion emphasizes the meaningfulness of mental states and their relation to the world.

Synonyms

deliberateness, purposefulness, volition.

Examples of usage

  • The intentionality of thought is crucial in understanding consciousness.
  • Philosophers debate the nature of intentionality in relation to perception.
  • In psychology, intentionality relates to the purpose behind behavior.
  • Intentionality is considered a fundamental aspect of semantic content.

Translations

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Origin of 'intentionality'

The term 'intentionality' has its roots in the early 20th century philosophical discussions, primarily associated with the work of Franz Brentano, who emphasized the distinction between mental states directed at objects and those that are not. It derives from the Latin word 'intentio', meaning 'tension' or 'stretching out', signifying the mind's directedness towards something. The idea was further developed by phenomenologists such as Edmund Husserl and later by philosophers like John Searle, becoming a focal point in the study of consciousness and meaning. Intentionality has since evolved in various fields including cognitive science, where it assesses the significance of mental representations and their impact on behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,942, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.