The Functions of Folk-Psychological Explanations of Action
Erik Weber and Robrecht
Vanderbeeken
Universiteit
Gent
This paper deals with the functions of folk-psychological explanations of actions (FPEA's), i.e. explanations that refer to intentional states (beliefs, desires, etc.) of the agent. FPEA's can have different formats. We pick out two specific formats which will enable us to discuss the functions of FPEA's. In many cases, the explanation makes use of one or more contrasts between the real intentional states and ideal intentional states (ideal from the point of view of the explainer). In many other cases, FPEA's use a so-called covering law. The principal aim of the paper is to analyse the functions which the explanations can have in both cases.