Intentional Action in Folk Psychology

Knobe, Joshua (2003) Intentional Action in Folk Psychology.

Abstract

Intentional action is widely held to be an important element in a theory (often called 'folk psychology') whose function lies chiefly in the prediction and explanation of behavior. The author argues that, in fact, people's concept of intentional action has also been shaped in a fundamental way by a concern with specifically *moral* issues. Thus, the concept might be best understood as a kind of multi-purpose tool -- shaped by a concern with prediction and explanation but also by a concern with moral praise and blame.