Monday, April 09, 2012

Philosopher's Zone - Human Consciousness Is Intentional with Frank Jackson

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, intentionality is an important part of philosophical discussions about the nature of mind: What are minds? What does it mean (or feel like) to have a mind?
Intentionality is the power of minds to be about, to represent, or to stand for, things, properties and states of affairs. The puzzles of intentionality lie at the interface between the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of language. The word itself, which is of medieval Scholastic origin, was rehabilitated by the philosopher Franz Brentano towards the end of the nineteenth century. ‘Intentionality’ is a philosopher's word. It derives from the Latin word intentio, which in turn derives from the verb intendere, which means being directed towards some goal or thing.
Nice discussion - as usual - on a very relevant topic in the study of consciousness.

Honourable intentions

Broadcast: Sunday 8 April 2012 
Human consciousness is intentional – it’s about something – but what is the relationship between my consciousness and the objects of which I’m conscious?  And, in particular, how does this work when the objects don’t even exist, like Santa Claus and Pegasus? 
This week, we investigate an old philosophical issue.

Guests

Professor Frank Jackson

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