Intention and Motivation

Abstract

What is the role of intentions in the actions intended? What do they contribute, and how do they contribute to the occurrence of the intended actions? The chapter will offer an account of acting with an intention and of having an intention to act. It will not offer an account of intentional action, merely suggesting that when intentional actions are not actions done with an intention, their explanation as intentional relates to that of actions with intentions, showing how like them and unlike them they are. Motivation will be discussed mainly to distinguish its role in leading to action from the role played by intentions.