Intention: The Philosophy of Action and Practical Knowledge by G. E. M. Anscombe

June 14, 2022

This book is a translation of three texts by Elizabeth Anscombe, a leading 20th-century British philosopher. The main section, Intention (1957), is its second translation. Since the previous translation has long been out of print and difficult to obtain, I believe this new translation is timely and beneficial.

Look at the cover. There is a crocodile. In this book, the crocodile appears as one of the important examples. Suppose you instinctively step back, startled by the roar of a crocodile. Stepping back is something you did; you naturally know what you did and can immediately answer why you did it ("Because it suddenly roared..."). However, that step back is likely not intentional. What is an intentional action? How does it differ from the case of being startled by a crocodile? That is one of the questions this book addresses. While carefully confirming that the distinction between the two is not easy (and the process of that confirmation is crucial), Anscombe clarifies the nature of "intentional action."

Actually, a pump is depicted on the back cover. In the text, the pump appears when discussing the complex order brought about by intentional action. A pump is a sophisticated tool, and its operation is typically an intentional act. The act of operating a pump can form various patterns depending on the agent's own knowledge and the unfolding situation. The question then becomes with what intention the action was performed. One point of discussion is how the mundane act of operating a pump can, depending on the conditions, become the audacious act of assassinating a dictator. This point also holds significant meaning in Anscombe's indignant essay, "Mr. Truman's Degree," which is included in this translation. That is to say, under certain conditions, signing a document is nothing other than the intentional massacre of civilians.

Anscombe's work is often said to be difficult. It is true that she tends to discuss subtle themes with complex structures. However, it is by no means incomprehensible; rather, her individual philosophical claims are clear. When one attempts to tentatively bring a truly new problem area to light, a work often takes on such complexity. Is that not the case with many "classics"? If you read at an appropriate pace without rushing to a conclusion, there is much to be gained from this book.

Intention: The Philosophy of Action and Practical Knowledge by G. E. M. Anscombe

Tatsuya Kashiwabata (Translator)

Iwanami Shoten

296 pages, 3,740 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.