Intentionality in Literature & Literary Theory

Intentionality: Etymology/Term, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “intentionality” finds its roots in medieval Latin, where “intentio” referred to purpose or aim. Derived from the Latin word “intendere,” meaning to stretch toward or aim at, intentionality entered philosophical discourse through scholastic traditions. In the 19th century, philosophers like Franz Brentano and Edmund Husserl revitalized the concept, embedding it in the phenomenological tradition.

Meanings:

• Philosophical Context: In philosophy, intentionality encompasses the directedness or aboutness of mental states. It suggests that consciousness is always consciousness of something, implying a purpose or object of thought.
• Everyday Language: Beyond philosophy, intentionality is often used in everyday language to describe the quality of being deliberate or purposeful in actions, decisions, or communication.

Concept:

The concept of intentionality delves into the intricate relationship between consciousness and objects of consciousness. In philosophy, it prompts exploration into how thoughts are inherently linked to external realities, while in practical terms, it invites consideration of the motivations and goals that drive human actions. Intentionality, thus, serves as a pivotal bridge between subjective experience and the external world, offering a lens through which to examine the purposeful nature of both thought and action.

Intentionality: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Intentionality, as a theoretical term, refers to the inherent capacity of mental states to be directed towards objects, concepts, or states of affairs, distinguishing consciousness as always having an intentional object. This concept, rooted in philosophy and psychology, implies that mental phenomena are not isolated but inherently relational, involving a purposeful orientation. In essence, intentionality explores the intrinsic link between thought and the external world, shaping our understanding of consciousness and its inherent aboutness.

Intentionality: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Franz Brentano (1838–1917): A pioneering figure in intentionality, Brentano emphasized the idea that mental states are inherently directed towards objects, introducing the term into philosophical discourse.
2. Edmund Husserl (1859–1938): Building on Brentano’s work, Husserl, the founder of phenomenology, extensively explored intentionality in his writings. He argued that consciousness is always intentional, meaning it is characterized by its directedness towards objects.
3. John Searle (b. 1932): Searle, a contemporary philosopher, contributed significantly to the philosophy of mind and intentionality. His work, particularly the concept of “intentional states,” has shaped discussions on mental representation.

Key Works:

1. Franz Brentano – “Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint” (1874): In this seminal work, Brentano introduced intentionality, laying the foundation for its philosophical exploration.
2. Edmund Husserl – “Logical Investigations” (1900–1901): Husserl’s groundbreaking text delves into the nature of intentionality, elucidating the role of consciousness in constituting objects.
3. John Searle – “Intentionality: An Essay in the Philosophy of Mind” (1983): Searle’s work focuses on intentionality as a key aspect of mental phenomena, exploring its implications for understanding the mind.

Key Arguments:

1. Brentano’s Thesis: Franz Brentano’s central argument lies in his assertion that intentionality is the defining feature of mental states, setting the stage for later phenomenological investigations.
2. Husserl’s Phenomenological Approach: Husserl argued that a phenomenological analysis of consciousness reveals its intentional structure, emphasizing the need to study consciousness by examining the intentional acts that constitute it.
3. Searle’s Biological Naturalism: John Searle’s argument involves a biological naturalism, asserting that mental states and intentionality are grounded in the biological processes of the brain, challenging dualistic perspectives on mind and body.

Intentionality: Major Characteristics

1. Directedness Toward Objects:

• Definition: Intentionality involves the inherent quality of mental states to be directed towards specific objects, concepts, or states of affairs.
• Significance: This characteristic implies that consciousness is always “about” something, emphasizing the relational nature of mental phenomena.

2. Aboutness and Meaning:

• Definition: Mental states not only have a directedness but also carry meaning or significance by being “about” something in the external world.
• Significance: This characteristic highlights the semantic content of intentionality, indicating that thoughts and perceptions are not mere isolated occurrences but are imbued with representational meaning.

3. Irreducibility to the Physical:

• Definition: Intentionality suggests that mental states cannot be fully reduced to or explained by physical processes alone, challenging purely materialistic perspectives on consciousness.
• Significance: This characteristic prompts philosophical discussions on the mind-body problem and the unique nature of conscious experience.

4. Conscious and Unconscious Intentionality:

• Definition: Intentionality occurs not only in conscious thoughts but also in various unconscious mental processes, influencing behavior without explicit awareness.
• Significance: This characteristic expands the scope of intentionality beyond conscious awareness, contributing to the understanding of the complexity of mental life.

5. Role in Perception and Action:

• Definition: Intentionality plays a fundamental role in perception, where consciousness is directed towards perceived objects, and in action, where it guides purposeful behaviors.
• Significance: Understanding intentionality helps elucidate how cognition and action are intertwined, influencing our engagement with the external world.

6. Foundational in Phenomenology:

• Definition: Phenomenology, particularly as developed by Edmund Husserl, places it at the core of its investigations into consciousness and lived experience.
• Significance: This characteristic underscores its foundational role in phenomenological philosophy, shaping inquiries into the nature of consciousness and subjective experience.

7. Inherent in Language and Thought:

• Definition: It is intimately connected to language and thought, as both involve the representation of objects and ideas through intentional acts.
• Significance: This characteristic highlights the pervasive nature of intentionality in cognitive processes, influencing how we articulate and comprehend the world through language and thought.

Intentionality: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Intentionality
Reader-Response Theory	Examines how a reader’s intentional engagement with a text shapes meaning.
Authorial Intent	Explores the significance of authorial intentions in interpreting texts.
Phenomenological Literary Criticism	Aligns with intentionality’s emphasis on lived experience in analyzing literary works.
Deconstructionism	Challenges fixed meanings by considering the inherent ambiguity in intentionality.
Cognitive Literary Theory	Investigates how intentional mental processes shape the reading and interpretation of literature.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Considers the intentional power dynamics in colonial and postcolonial literature.
Feminist Literary Criticism	Explores the intentional portrayal and treatment of gender in literary works.

In each of these literary theories, intentionality plays a distinct role, influencing how scholars and critics approach the analysis of texts, interpretive processes, and the relationships between authors, readers, and the literary works themselves.

Intentionality: Application in Critiques

Literary Work	Application in Critique
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	It is crucial in understanding the author’s purpose in addressing racial injustice and moral growth in a Southern town, impacting readers’ engagement and interpretations.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez	It is explored in the magical realism of Marquez, where deliberate narrative choices challenge conventional storytelling, inviting readers to question reality and interpret the symbolism intentionally embedded in the text.
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman	Examining the protagonist‘s descent into madness requires a consideration of the intentional narrative choices made by Gilman, underscoring the critique of societal constraints on women’s mental health during the 19th century.
1984 by George Orwell	Orwell’s intentional use of language and dystopian elements serves a critical purpose, prompting readers to reflect on the dangers of totalitarianism and the manipulation of truth, highlighting its relevance in political and social critiques.

In each of these literary works, understanding the intentional choices made by the authors enhances the depth of literary analysis, providing insights into themes, symbolism, and the broader social or political commentary embedded in the texts.

Intentionality: Relevant Terms

Theoretical Term	Definition
1. Teleology	Study of purpose or goal-directedness in phenomena and behavior.
2. Phenomenology	Examines conscious experience and structures of consciousness.
3. Representationalism	View that mental states represent external objects.
4. Mental States	Cognitive and emotional conditions, including thoughts and beliefs.
5. Introspection	Examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings.
6. Consciousness	State of being aware and perceiving thoughts, sensations, and surroundings.
7. Epistemology	Investigates nature and limits of knowledge, focusing on belief and justification.
8. Semiotics	Study of signs, symbols, and communication, including interpretation.
9. Subjectivity	Individual perspective shaping perception and interpretation.
10. Ontology	Explores nature of being, existence, and reality, including entities.

Intentionality: Suggested Readings

1. Brentano, Franz. Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint. Routledge, 2014.
2. Husserl, Edmund. Logical Investigations. Routledge, 2001.
3. Searle, John. Intentionality: An Essay in the Philosophy of Mind. Cambridge University Press, 1983.
4. Dreyfus, Hubert L. Intentionality and Embodied Mind. Center for Advanced Research in Phenomenology & University Press of America, 1989.
5. Gallagher, Shaun. How the Body Shapes the Mind. Oxford University Press, 2005.
6. Dennett, Daniel C. Intentional Systems. The Journal of Philosophy, 1971.