Intentionality as a Driving Force

Abstract

Intentionality - in the sense of purposiveness - is essential for the action perception cycle, which is central in Walter Freeman's work. In this paper, I will reflect upon Walter Freeman's view on intentionality and its relation to mesoscopic neurodynamics, also quoting him from a couple of unique dialogues. Further, I will elaborate on the role of intentionality for decision making and free will, in particular focusing on intentionality as a driving force in evolution and in life in general. I will also describe briefly a computational model of decision making and put that model in the broader context of the action perception cycle. Finally, in some philosophical comments on consciousness, I will discuss its dual aspects of intention and attention, which appears to be causally effective in the material world.

Published in

Journal of Consciousness Studies
2018, volume: 25, number: 1-2, pages: 206-229
Publisher: IMPRINT ACADEMIC

SLU Authors

• Liljenström, Hans

  • Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Agora for Biosystems

UKÄ Subject classification

Philosophy

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94322