Single Idea 3980

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 4. Intentionality / b. Intentionality theories]

Full Idea

It may be that intentional states are relations to mental symbols, and mental processes are implemented by causal relations among these symbols.

Clarification

'Intentional' states are 'about' something, with meaning and content

Gist of Idea

Intentional states and processes may be causal relations among mental symbols

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (Jerry A. Fodor on himself [1994], p.296)

Book Reference

'A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Guttenplan,Samuel [Blackwell 1995], p.296


A Reaction

It is hard to see how something could have causal powers just by being a symbol. The theory needs something else to drive the causation.