Intentionality

By Michael Doneman | April 18, 2009

EMAIL ARTICLE

From ‘experimental philosopher’ Joshua Knobe.

Harm Case: The vice-president of a company went to the chairman of the board and said, ‘We are thinking of starting a new program. It will help us increase profits, but it will also harm the environment.’ The chairman of the board answered, ‘I don’t care at all about harming the environment. I just want to make as much profit as I can. Let’s start the new program.’ They started the new program. Sure enough, the environment was harmed. Now ask yourself: Did the chairman of the board intentionally harm the environment? Yes or No?

Help Case: The vice-president of a company went to the chairman of the board and said, ‘We are thinking of starting a new program. It will help us increase profits, and it will also help the environment.’ The chairman of the board answered, ‘I don’t care at all about helping the environment. I just want to make as much profit as I can. Let’s start the new program.’ They started the new program. Sure enough, the environment was helped.  Did the chairman of the board intentionally help the environment? Yes or No?

What’s the difference?

1 Comment so far

1. by Evan on April 18, 2009 at 10:57 am

   The difference is vast if you take into account likely future action by the chairman of the board.

One Response to “Intentionality”