An Other Intention. Social Functions of the Attribution of Intentionality in the European Middle Ages

• Applicant: Dr. Marcel Bubert
• Subject Area: Medieval History ; General and Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies ; History of Philosophy ; Sociological Theory
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441044496

Several debates of the last decades have demonstrated the effectiveness of the attribution of intentions in conflicts about the interpretation of the social reality. This proves particularly true in so far as intentions are collectively attributed to social groups whose actions are considered to be caused by these intentions. That the attribution of intentions is socially relevant is not limited to a particular culture or time. The scientific network seeks to analyze to which extent the attribution of intentionality could be regarded as a specific medium of mutual observation and regulation, as well as an instrument to assign personal and collective responsibilities. We aim to focus on such assumptions about the intentions and plans of individuals and groups in medieval societies. In order to verify this assumption, we want to focus on different social and discursive configurations of the Middle Ages. For this purpose, it seems reasonable to structure our inquiry with regard to the social fields of law, religion or piety, (moral) philosophy, literature, economy, politics, and transcultural interactions.Against this background, we seek to investigate the interrelations between explicit reflections on intentionality on the one hand, and the social practices of the attribution of intentions on the other. In this context, we particularly take an interest in processes of social regulation or steering of the attribution of intentions. That individuals are frequently capable to attribute intentions which are considered to be adequate by those who are concerned points to a specific social knowledge of intentional behavior. Therefore, the attribution of intentions is not random but due to acquired experiences and social routines. Since these expectations are to a certain degree predictable, the attribution of intentions can often be stimulated in a particular direction. Social rules and expectations are thus actively used in order to suggest that a certain action was caused by a specific intent.Although intentions and plans are frequently described and attributed in different kinds of sources throughout the Middle Ages, methodological approaches and theories for the investigation of intentionality have up to now not been established in historical research. In order to develop an adequate concept, it is necessary to draw on the considerations of the intellectual and conceptual history, social history and praxeology and of related disciplines, philosophy, literature and sociology, and to adapt them to historical questions.The collaborative efforts of the network aim to prepare a publication on the attribution of intentionality in the European Middle Ages. Up to now, a volume of that kind does not exist, for this theme has so far not been treated systematically.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Jan-Hendryk de Boer