On Searle’s Theory Of Intentionality

John Searle is a famous philosopher whose theory of Intentionality lays the foundation of his philosophical theory. The contemporary theory of Intentionality is put forward by Brentano who reveals the relation between Intentionality and Psychology. Later, Husserl critically inherits Brentano’s theory and influences Searle’s theory of Intentionality to some extend.Searle’s theory of Intentionality mainly includes the definition of Intentionality concept, the classification of Intentionality, the constructive feature of Intentionality, the causal relation of Intentionality, the background of Intentionality and collective Intentionality, etc. Searle defines the Intentionality concept; distinguishes the intrinsic intentionality, derived intentionality and as-if intentionality. He explains the constructive feature of Intentionality; indicates the Intentional states’ constitution, direction of fit and conditions of satisfaction. Searle makes a distinction between general causal relation and intentional causation,and discusses the relation between Intentional states’ network and background. In addition, Searle detailedly discusses the content, proposition and structure of collective Intentionality.Searle’s theory of Intentionality makes great difference to his philosophy of mind, linguistic philosophy and social philosophy. By discussing the logical feature and causation of Intentionality, Searle puts forward his biological naturalism--centered mind-body relation theory which becomes the foundation of his philosophy of mind. Searle’s collective Intentionality theory reasonably explains the construction of Social Reality and greatly impacts his metaphysics.