Intention Talks
An intention is a mental state in which a person commits themselves to a course of action. Having the plan to visit the zoo tomorrow is an example of an intention. The action plan is the content of the intention while the commitment is the attitude towards this content. Other mental states can have action plans as their content, as when one admires a plan, but differ from intentions since they do not involve a practical commitment to realizing this plan. Successful intentions bring about the intended course of action while unsuccessful intentions fail to do so. Intentions, like many other mental states, have intentionality: they represent possible states of affairs.
Theories of intention try to capture the characteristic features of intentions. The belief-desire theory is the traditionally dominant approach. According to a simple version of it, having an intention is nothing but having a desire to perform a certain action and a belief that one will perform this action. Belief-desire theories are frequently criticized based on the fact that neither beliefs nor desires involve a practical commitment to performing an action, which is often illustrated in various counterexamples. The evaluation theory tries to overcome this problem by explaining intentions in terms of unconditional evaluations. That is to say that intentions do not just present the intended course of action as good in some respect, as is the case for desires, but as good all things considered. This approach has problems in explaining cases of akrasia, i.e. that agents do not always intend what they see as the best course of action. A closely related theory identifies intentions not with unconditional evaluations but with predominant desires. It states that intending to do something consists in desiring it the most. Opponents of this approach have articulated various counterexamples with the goal of showing that intentions do not always coincide with the agent's strongest desire. A different approach to the theories mentioned so far is due to Elizabeth Anscombe and denies the distinction between intentions and actions. On her view, to intend a goal is already a form of acting towards this goal and therefore not a distinct mental state. This account struggles to explain cases in which intentions and actions seem to come apart, as when the agent is not currently doing anything towards realizing their plan or in the case of failed actions. The self-referentiality theory suggests that intentions are self-referential, i.e. that they do not just represent the intended course of action but also represent themselves as the cause of the action. But the claim that this happens on the level of the content of the intention has been contested.
The term "intention" refers to a group of related phenomena. For this reason, theorists often distinguish various types of intentions in order to avoid misunderstandings. The most-discussed distinction is that between prospective and immediate intentions. Prospective intentions, also known as "prior intentions", involve plans for the future. They can be subdivided according to how far they plan ahead: proximal intentions involve plans for what one wants to do straightaway whereas distal intentions are concerned with a more remote future. Immediate intentions, on the other hand, are intentions that guide the agent while they are performing the action in question. They are also called "intentions-in-action" or "act-related" intentions. The term "intention" usually refers to anticipated means or ends that motivate the agent. But in some cases, it can refer to anticipated side-effects that are neither means nor ends to the agent. In this case, the term "oblique intention" is sometimes used. Intentions are rationally evaluable: they are either rational or irrational. Conscious intentions are the paradigmatic form of intention: in them, the agent is aware of their goals. But it has been suggested that actions can also be guided by unconscious intentions of which the agent is not aware.
The formation of intentions is sometimes preceded by the deliberation of promising alternative courses of action and may happen in decisions, in which the agent chooses between these alternatives. Intentions are responsible for initiating, sustaining, and terminating actions and are frequently used to explain why people engage in a certain behavior. Understanding the behavior of others in terms of intentions already happens in early childhood. Important in this context is the role of gestures, pointing, attention, and eye movement to understand the intentions of others and to form shared intentions. In the philosophy of action, a central question is whether it is true for all intentional actions that they are caused or accompanied by intentions. The theory of reasoned action aims to predict behavior based on how pre-existing attitudes and subjective norms determine behavioral intentions. In ethics, the intention principle states that whether an action is morally permissible sometimes depends on the agent's intention for performing this action.
Title | Speaker | |
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Yoga and MeditationOSB Cam, Yoga, Meditation, Grace, Buddha, Precepts, Sutra, Intention |
Jun 2009 1 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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OpennessSerial: NC-00770 Retreat Conference. Openess OSB Cam, Openness, resistance, Intuition, Forgiveness, Intention, Enemies |
May 2007 Part 4 (of 5) New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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The Brief Rule of St. RomualdSerial: NC-00054 The Little Rule of Saint Romuald Archival Photo OSB Cam, Romuald, Brief Rule of St. Romuald, Emptiness, Monastic Practice, zen,... |
2003 3 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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September 5th, 1995, Serial No. 00283Serial: NC-00283 New Testament Class OSB Cam, realization, Oneness, Enlightenment, Intention |
Sep 05 1995 |
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July 25th, 1995, Serial No. 00278Serial: NC-00278 New Testament Class OSB Cam, Oneness, Darkness and Light, Intention, Separation |
Jul 25 1995 |
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The Triple Good / ApplicationsSerial: NC-00016 Part of "Romualdian/Camaldolese/Benedictine Spirituality" 2. The Triple Good / Applications Archival Photo OSB Cam, Vow, lecture, Fasting, training, Intention |
1995 2 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Camaldolese Spirituality: General Historical Overview / ImplicationsSerial: NC-00017 Part of "Romualdian/Camaldolese/Benedictine Spirituality" 3. General Historical Overview / Implications Archival Photo OSB Cam, Money, War, Anger, Intention |
1995 3 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Contemplative Prayer: Practice of the Presence of GodSerial: NC-00931 Contemplative Prayer class. Practice of the Presence of God Commitment, Breath, Continuous Practice, Intention, Lovingkindness |
Oct 18 1994 6 of 7 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Contemplative PrayerSerial: NC-00928 Contemplative Prayer class Daily Life, Addiction, Intimacy, Intention, Compassion |
Sep 1994 3 of 7 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Monastic HistorySerial: NC-00330 Monastic History Class OSB Cam, Fasting, zen, Politics, Vow, Intention |
Jan 05 1994 7 of 34 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the WorldSerial: NC-00080B Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the World Archival Photo OSB Cam, Monastic Practice, Ego, Enthusiasm, Intention |
1993 2 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the WorldSerial: NC-00081B Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the World Archival Photo OSB Cam, Vow, Balance, Commitment, Monastic Practice, Intention |
1993 4 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the WorldSerial: NC-00082A Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the World Archival Photo OSB Cam, Enemies, Commitment, Compassion, Intention, Emotions |
1993 5 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the WorldSerial: NC-00082B Monastic Spirituality for the Christian in the World Archival Photo OSB Cam, Anger, Suzuki Roshi, Intention, Money, Mindfulness |
1993 6 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Walter HiltonSerial: NC-00090 Part of "The English Mystics" Conference 3: Walter Hilton Archival Photo OSB Cam, Enthusiasm, Diversity, Monkey Mind, Intention, Fasting |
1993 3 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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The Cloud of UnknowingSerial: NC-00091 Part of "The English Mystics" Conference 4: The Cloud of Unknowing Archival Photo OSB Cam, Intention, Ego, Intuition, Fasting, Offering |
1993 4 of 4 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Theology and Lectio DivinaSerial: NC-00487 Theology and Lectio, Conference #6, (Conference #2 not recorded) OSB Cam, Secret place of prayer, lecture, Intuition, Concentration, Separation,... |
Jul 1991 6 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Rule of St. BenedictSerial: NC-01061 Rule of St. Benedict lecture series OSB Cam, Patience, Daily Life, stubbornness, Intention |
Dec 1987 2 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Rule of St. BenedictSerial: NC-01062 Rule of St. Benedict lecture series OSB Cam, Practice Period, Funeral, Delusion, Instruction, Intention |
Dec 1987 3 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Rule of St. BenedictSerial: NC-01064 Rule of St. Benedict lecture series OSB Cam, Happiness, Continuous Practice, Observe, Anger, Intention |
Dec 1987 5 of 6 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Life of the Five BrothersSerial: NC-00654 Seminar on Life of the Five Brothers OSB Cam, Camaldolese History, War, Repentance, Emotions, zen, Intention |
Oct 1987 1 of 3 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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1987, Serial No. 00915OSB Cam, Intention, Patience, Diversity, Intimacy, realization |
1987 13-14 of 14 |
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1987, Serial No. 00920OSB Cam, Intention, training, Conversation, Concentration, Enemies |
1987 3-4 of 14 |
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1986, Serial No. 00481Serial: NC-00481 Saint John OSB Cam, Darkness and Light, realization, Intention, Continuous Practice, Demons... |
1986 |
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Chapel TalksSerial: NC-00645 Year Talk 2/2 OSB Cam, Attachment, Intention, Forgiveness, training, War |
Oct 17 1985 Shantivanam Ashram |
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Gospel of John and the Christian Wisdom TraditionSerial: NC-00555 Retreat on the Gospel of John OSB Cam, Intimacy, Intention, Hindrances, Pain, Continuous Practice |
Dec 10 1984 1 of 5 Utah |
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John Class #15Serial: NC-00560 Lecture on Gospel of John. OSB Cam, Mandala, Balance, Thoroughness, Hate, Intention |
Mar 26 1984 |
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Introduction to Theology, Serial No. 01119OSB Cam, Intention, First Principle, Beginners, Separation, Diversity |
Feb 1984 6 of 19 New Clairvaux Abbey |
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Introduction to Theology, Serial No. 01124OSB Cam, Ceremony, lecture, Intention, Funeral, Intimacy |
Feb 1984 11 of 19 New Clairvaux Abbey |
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Introduction to Theology, Serial No. 01125OSB Cam, lecture, Intention, Transmission, Money, Obstacles |
Feb 1984 12 of 19 New Clairvaux Abbey |
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Introduction to Theology, Serial No. 01126OSB Cam, lecture, War, Transmission, Intention, Sanctuary |
Feb 1984 1 of 19 New Clairvaux Abbey |
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Introduction to Theology, Serial No. 01127OSB Cam, lecture, Intention, resistance, Instruction |
Feb 1984 2 of 19 New Clairvaux Abbey |
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Oxford Fathers Conference TalksSerial: NC-00813 "Oxford Fathers Conference Talks" OSB Cam, Oxford Movement, lecture, Obstacles, Intention |
Sep 25 1983 |
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August 18th, 1982, Serial No. 00997Serial: NC-00997 Monastic Spirituality, Set 7 of 12 OSB Cam, Ego, Happiness, Oneness, Hate, Intention |
Aug 18 1982 |
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January 28th, 1982, Serial No. 00684Serial: NC-00684 Monastic Spirituality Set 5 of 12 Intention, Breath, confusion, Separation |
Jan 28 1982 |
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January 13th, 1982, Serial No. 00686Serial: NC-00686 Monastic Spirituality Set 5 of 12 Monastic Practice, Ego, Daily Life, Intention, Fasting |
Jan 13 1982 |
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March 26th, 1981, Serial No. 00798Serial: NC-00798 Monastic Spirituality Set 2 of 12 OSB Cam, Conversation, Vow, Commitment, Intention, Liberation |
Mar 26 1981 |
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History of Christian SpiritualitySerial: NC-01207 Part of "The History of Christian Spirituality" class OSB Cam, Diversity, Anger, Intention, Commitment, Money |
Oct 1980 3 of 7 New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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November 1979 talk, Serial No. 00901OSB Cam, Diversity, Politics, Darkness and Light, zen, Intention |
Nov 1979 |
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Unknown Date, Serial 00227Serial: NC-00227 Archival Photo Cultivation, Continuous Practice, Compassion, realization, Intention |
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Unknown Date, Serial 00223Serial: NC-00223 Archival Photo training, Emptiness, Cultivation, Intention, Dragons |
[field_wisdom_date]
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Introduction to Holy Scripture: The Exodus of the People of GodOSB Cam, Intention, Cultivation, Diversity, Oneness, Enlightenment |
[field_wisdom_date]
New Camaldoli Hermitage |
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Unknown Date, Serial 00986OSB Cam, Intention, Enemies, Anger, Diversity, Commitment |
[field_wisdom_date]
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