From the Naturalistic to the Transcendental Conception of Intentionality

This paper reconstructs and defends a Husserlian transcendental conception of intentionality. Initially, naturalistic conception of intentionality seems attractive, however, a naturalistic understanding conceals the true meaning of the puzzle and the nature of intentionality. Following Kant and primarily Husserl, this paper tries to determine the conditions a transcendental conception of intentionality must satisfy in order to be qualified as “transcendental”. Additionally, following Husserl, this paper argues that the alternative transcendental conception is not only (1) possible, hence plausible; but also (2) necessary, in the sense that a thorough understanding of intentionality can only be achieved if a transcendental conception is adopted.