Plumwood, Val. “Intentional Recognition and Rationality: A Response to John Andrews.” Environmental Values 7, no. 4 (1998): 397–421. doi:10.3197/096327198129341645.
This is a response to John Andrews’ article “Weak Panpsychism and Environmental Ethics” in Environmental Values 7, no. 4.
Recognition of intentionality and the possibility of agency in nonhuman others is a prerequisite for a process of mutual adjustment and dialogue that could replace current reductive and dualistic human-centered theories. John Andrews’ article in this issue of Environmental Values is criticised for misattributing to me the view that intentionality could be a sole criterion for moral worth - a view which I reject as unacceptably hierarchical and human-centered. To clarify my position, the values and limitations of different kinds of ranking are discussed; and the concept of intentionality is explored, with particular reference to apparently purposeful machines and to Dennett’s theory of consciousness. (Source: The White Horse Press)
© 1998 The White Horse Press. Republished with permission.