Intentions and Self-Consciousness: Revision of a Neutral Conception of Intentionality

In this contribution I will address the question concerning the relation between self-consciousness and intentionality. I will argue that the concept of intentionality is mystifying if treated as an isolated mental stance because this requires a sort of non-observational knowledge that does not fit with the observational aspects of intentionality like directedness and interaction with an environment. I will further analyse basic forms of intentionality in intentional systems and agents in order to investigate the link between intentions and interaction with the environment. Through this investigation the particular form of interaction of the human beings that lies beneath specific competences like recognition and evaluation of norms, which are organized in the way of the self- consciousness, will emerge.