Goals, No-Goals and Own Goals: A Debate on Goal-Directed and Intentional Behaviour

Goals, No-Goals, and Own Goals is a debate between three scientists and three philosophers about the significance and nature of goal-directed and intentional behavior. David McFarland questions the need for these concepts, Alan Montefiore argues they are indispensable, Denis Noble shows they are not causes of neural events, Shawn Lockery outlines how they can be subjected to physiological study, Kathy Wilkes asks questions about the nature of explanation, and Daniel Dennett argues how the study of animal behavior can inform research in Artificial Intelligence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1989, Goals, No-Goals, and Own Goals presents a stimulating debate between three scientists and three philosophers about the significance and nature of goal-directed and intentional behavior. At one extreme, David McFarland questions the need for either of these concepts, at least in the scientific study of animal behavior. At the other extreme, Alan Montefiore argues that such concepts are indispensable to any explanation of the meaningful use of language and that we must therefore acknowledge their importance in understanding the nature of human behavior. Denis Noble uses arguments drawn from computer science and physiology to show that it is incorrect to regard intentions as causes of neural events, even though it is correct to regard intentionality as responsible for our actions. Shawn Lockery outlines how intentional behavior might be subjected to physiological study. Kathy Wilkes widens the debate by asking some basic questions about the nature of explanation, and finally, Daniel Dennett argues how the study of animal behavior might inform research in Artificial Intelligence.

This book will be a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in cognitive science, philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and physiology. It explores the complex relationship between intentionality, behavior, and the brain, providing insights into the nature of human cognition and behavior. The debate between the scientists and philosophers is thought-provoking and informative, and the book will be of interest to anyone seeking to understand the complexities of human behavior and cognition.

Weight: 585g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032028644