Intentionalist

An intentionalist is a person, particularly a historian or literary critic, who believes that the meaning, interpretation, or significance of a work (historical event, text, artwork, etc.) should primarily be understood in terms of the author's or actor's stated or perceived intentions. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the original purpose, aims, and beliefs that motivated the creation or action. Intentionalists often argue that these intentions provide the most reliable and accurate basis for interpretation, as they are seen as the guiding force behind the work. They may utilize source material like letters, diaries, and other records to support their analyses. They often see an event or piece of literature as the intentional design of a single individual rather than a result of several circumstances.

Intentionalist meaning with examples

• As an intentionalist historian, Dr. Anya focuses on the personal letters and political manifestos of the time to understand the dictator's actions, arguing that only by understanding the dictator's intentions can we fully grasp the causes of the war. The goal of her research is to examine their motivations and interpret the historical significance.
• The literary critic, a devout intentionalist, analyzed Shakespeare's sonnets, focusing on the author's known biographical details and Elizabethan courtly conventions to ascertain the meaning behind the lines. By this method, they claim, you can glean the original intentions behind the text's construction and avoid modern misinterpretations.
• The jury in the court case were encouraged to be intentionalists, placing greater value on the defendant's stated motivations when evaluating their actions rather than considering their impact on society. The lawyers hoped this approach would reveal his character and prove his innocence based on his intentions.
• The archeologist, an unwavering intentionalist, examined the ancient artifact, pouring over original records to understand the artisan's original purpose for its creation and its function within the society. The purpose was not just to describe what the item was, but to understand the meaning from its original creators.