Single Idea 3484

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 4. Intentionality / a. Nature of intentionality]

Full Idea

Water flowing downhill can be described AS IF it had intentionality: it tries to get to the bottom by seeking the line of least resistance through information processing and calculation…

Gist of Idea

Water flowing downhill can be described as if it had intentionality

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 7.II.1)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.156


A Reaction

John Searle could be described as if he had intentionality, as his neurons chart their way through the information and desires that flood them. I am wary of his all-or-nothing approach to intentionality.