Constructing a Naturalistic Theory of Intentionality

J H Van Hateren

doi:10.1007/s11406-020-00255-w

Abstract

A naturalistic theory of intentionality (in the sense of ‘aboutness’) is proposed that differs from previous evolutionary and tracking theories. Full-blown intentionality is constructed through a series of evolvable refinements. A first, minimal version of intentionality originates from a conjectured internal process that estimates an organism’s own fitness and that continually modifies the organism. This process produces the directedness of intentionality. The internal estimator can be parsed into intentional components that point to components of the process that produces fitness. It is argued that such intentional components can point to mistaken or non-existing entities. Different Fregian senses of the same reference correspond to different components that have different roles in the estimator. Intentional components that point to intentional components in other organisms produce directedness towards semi-abstract entities. Finally, adding a general, population-wide means of communication enables intentional components that point to fully abstract entities. Intentionality thus naturalized has all of its expected properties: being directed; potentially making errors; possibly pointing to non-existent, abstract, or rigid entities; capable of pointing many-to-one and one-to-many; distinguishing sense and reference; having perspective and grain; and having determinate content. Several examples, such as ‘swampman’ and ‘brain-in-a-vat’, illustrate how the theory can be applied.

Highlights

The terms ‘intentionality’ and ‘intentional’ are used, throughout this article, in their technical, philosophical sense
Intentionality is used in the sense of ‘aboutness’
We aim to derive intentionality from basic processes that may occur within living organisms, providing a direct naturalistic explanation of intentionality

Summary

Introduction

The terms ‘intentionality’ and ‘intentional’ are used, throughout this article, in their technical, philosophical sense (see, e.g., Jacob 2014). They designate the power of minds to be directed towards something, for example when forming thoughts about objects or events. The terms are not used in their colloquial sense of having to do with intentions (in the sense of aims and purposes). ‘Intentional behaviour’ in this article does not mean behaviour that is done on purpose. It means behaviour that is based on processes that are about something. Intentionality is used in the sense of ‘aboutness’

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion