Intentional Explanation and Its Limits

Abstract

situation, a temporal order is proposed in which activity rise follows anger expression. If these were observed facts, the differential pattern would be impressive support for the levels theory. However, the data analysis provided here does not afford the necessary degree of temporal detail. The blocks of 3-min phases do not permit a view of acquisition or reaction to frustration. It would have been very interesting to see when the joy expression (the average being about 1 per subject) occurred in the course of initial exposure to contingency. Similarly, it would have been interesting to see when anger expressions were judged to arise in relation to heightened behavior rate in the extinction period. In closing, I return to my cat. If she is looking for evidence of intention, then I would say she could benefit greatly by studying Lewis's theory of intentional levels. As we consider her, or any other intentional system, as itself possibly examining intentions in others, we may ask when and how it comes to do that. Following his second principle of social cognition (Lewis & Brooks-Gunn, 1979, p. 231), I expect Lewis would predict that young children's awareness of intention in others arises as they become aware of intentions in. themselves.