Butterfill, Stephen A. and Sinigaglia, Corrado (2014) Intention and motor representation in purposive action. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Volume 88 (Number 1). pp. 119-145. doi:10.1111/j.1933-1592.2012.00604.x ISSN 0031-8205.

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Abstract

Are there distinct roles for intention and motor representation in explaining the purposiveness of action? Standard accounts of action assign a role to intention but are silent on motor representation. The temptation is to suppose that nothing need be said here because motor representation is either only an enabling condition for purposive action or else merely a variety of intention. This paper provides reasons for resisting that temptation. Some motor representations, like intentions, coordinate actions in virtue of representing outcomes; but, unlike intentions, motor representations cannot feature as premises or conclusions in practical reasoning. This implies that motor representation has a distinctive role in explaining the purposiveness of action. It also gives rise to a problem: were the roles of intention and motor representation entirely independent, this would impair effective action. It is therefore necessary to explain how intentions interlock with motor representations. The solution, we argue, is to recognise that the contents of intentions can be partially determined by the contents of motor representations. Understanding this content-determining relation enables better understanding how intentions relate to actions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Philosophy
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Intention -- Philosophy, Motor ability -- Philosophy, Act (Philosophy)
Journal or Publication Title:	Philosophy and Phenomenological Research
Publisher:	John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
ISSN:	0031-8205
Official Date:	January 2014
Dates:	Date Event January 2014 Published
Volume:	Volume 88
Number:	Number 1
Page Range:	pp. 119-145
DOI:	10.1111/j.1933-1592.2012.00604.x
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access (Creative Commons)
Description:	Article first published online: 24 AUG 2012
Date of first compliant deposit:	23 December 2015
Date of first compliant Open Access:	23 December 2015

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