ABSTRACT
In several papers (Vedeler, 1987, 1991, in press) I have argued for a definition of intentionality in terms of object directedness rather than in terms of goal directedness. Inspired by Merleau-Ponty (1942/1963; 1945/1962) I proposed that intentionality should be described as a relation between organism and environment rather than as a relation between mind and goals, the latter conceived as some alleged representations of future states of affairs. This is of particular importance for the study of emergent intentionality in infancy. Before studying the intentionality of the mind one should start with studying the intentionality of behavior, which ought to precede in ontogenetic time.
