Intention and interpretation: a revised moderate actual intentionalism.

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of the role of artistic intentions in the interpretation of art. Chapter 1 is a survey of the recent theories of interpretation that attempts to establish the shortcomings of anti-intentionalism and hypothetical intentionalism while making a case for the superiority of the view I prefer, moderate actual intentionalism. Chapter 2, then, is concerned, almost exclusively, with the major point of difference among its advocates: namely, the criteria for successfully realizing an intention. Chapter 3 is concerned with a latent tension in the position itself. Resolving this tension involves rethinking the role of conventions and context and placing a greater emphasis on intentions themselves.