Single Idea 4088

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 5. Qualia / b. Qualia and intentionality]

Full Idea

If I am conscious of a pain, the pain is not intentional, because it does not represent anything beyond itself.

Clarification

'Intentional' mental states are 'about' something

Gist of Idea

Pain is not intentional, because it does not represent anything beyond itself

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 4.1)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.84


A Reaction

Crane quotes this to challenge it. Pain may be about apparent damage to the body. Pains are certainly informative.