Intention (Philosophy)

In philosophy, "intention" refers to the mental state or purpose behind an action. It involves what a person aims to achieve when they act. For instance, if someone donates to charity, their intention could be to help others or to feel good about themselves. Philosophers analyze intentions to understand moral responsibility—whether we judge actions based on their outcomes or the intentions behind them. Understanding intention helps clarify different aspects of human behavior and ethical considerations in various contexts, such as law, morality, and interpersonal relations.