Intentionalism

Intentionalism is a philosophical and historical approach that emphasizes the importance of authorial intent in understanding a text, artwork, or historical event. It posits that the meaning of a work is fundamentally tied to the author's, creator's, or agent's intended meaning, beliefs, and goals at the time of creation or action. Intentionalists often argue that without understanding the creator's intent, interpretation becomes subjective and unreliable. However, it is also acknowledged that context and the audience play roles in the reception and interpretation of a work. Critics of intentionalism may question the accessibility and reliability of determining intent and the role of reception in understanding the impact of a work. intentionalism seeks to interpret art, texts, and historical events, by primarily focusing on what the creator meant, the audience intended, or the agent's plans or desired effects.

Intentionalism meaning with examples

• In art history, a proponent of intentionalism examining a painting would delve into the artist's letters, sketches, and statements to understand their specific artistic goals, messages, and the emotions they aimed to evoke. For example, to interpret 'Guernica,' one would explore Picasso's motivations for the painting as a political protest and his intent to reflect the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.
• When analyzing a legal document, a judge employing intentionalism might consult the legislative history, debates, and contextual factors to determine the original intent of the lawmakers in creating the statute. This is critical to ensure laws are applied to scenarios in ways that mirror the initial aspirations of the framers and their vision for the legislation, avoiding distortions in application.
• Historians who subscribe to intentionalism may examine the political and personal diaries of leaders to ascertain their motives and objectives for specific actions or decisions, such as assessing the role of Hitler or Roosevelt. They would use these documents to reconstruct the decision-making processes. This perspective highlights the agency of individuals in shaping events based on their specific aims.
• Literary critics using an intentionalist approach to a novel would focus on the author's stated themes, plans for characters, and intended audience response. They would consult the author's biography and other works to gain a broader context. For instance, to interpret 'Pride and Prejudice,' they might consult Austen's letters to understand her satire.