ABSTRACT
Much like their conception of phenomena, phenomenologists use the word intentionality to mean the inseparable connectedness between subjects (that is, human beings) and objects (that is, all other things, animate and inanimate, and ideas) in the world. This choice of words poses problems as the root word intention, especially in vernacular American English, often signifies one’s purpose or rationale for doing something. The first task, then, is to release ourselves from this understanding of intentionality and embrace a philosophical understanding of intentionality. The use of intentionality here does not mean what we choose or plan. It is not used to signify any action we might want to take. It is used to signify how we are meaningfully connected to the world.
