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Intentionality

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Definition

Intentionality is the philosophical notion that mental states or representations are about, represent, or stand for something.

Background

Since Brentano, intentionality has been central to philosophy of mind, phenomenology, and philosophy of language, especially in debates about belief, desire, meaning, representation, and grounding.

Position

It is central when asking whether LLM outputs can be about the world, carry meaning, or count as understanding.

Distinctions

  • Intentionality is broader than ordinary intention as a plan or purpose.
  • Mental intentionality and linguistic meaning should be analyzed separately.

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A concept map for Intentionality.

Page Context

  • Language Games, Intentionality, and LLMs
    Language Games, Intentionality, and LLMs 1. Executive Summary The philosophical question raised by LLMs is not only whether they possess inner understanding. A more useful quest...
    Quote: Language Games, Intentionality, and LLMs

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