Who is Brentano, Franz in Philosophy
Brentano, Franz (1838-1917), was a German-Austrian philosopher known for his contributions to psychology and the philosophy of mind. Born in Marienberg, Germany, Brentano studied philosophy in Munich and Berlin, where he was influenced by philosophers such as Friedrich Adolf Trendelenburg and Johann Friedrich Herbart. He also studied theology in Munich and was ordained a priest in 1864. However, Brentano abandoned the priesthood in 1873 and devoted himself entirely to philosophy.
Contributions to Psychology
One of Brentano's main contributions to psychology was his theory of intentionality. According to Brentano, all mental acts are directed at objects, that is, they have an intentionality. For example, when we perceive an object, our mind is directed towards that object. This theory has had a significant impact on the development of contemporary psychology, influencing thinkers such as Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger.
Furthermore, Brentano also developed a theory of consciousness that emphasized the distinction between intentional consciousness, which is focused on an object, and unintentional consciousness, which is focused on itself. This distinction was fundamental to understanding the nature of the mind and conscious experience.
Contributions to the Philosophy of Mind
In the philosophy of mind, Brentano defended the thesis that all mental states are intentional states. This means that all mental states have a direction towards an object. For example, when we have a belief, that belief is directed toward something, such as a proposition or a fact. This thesis challenged the dominant view at the time, which considered mental states as internal states that represented the external world.
Furthermore, Brentano also developed a theory of emotion that emphasized the importance of values in emotional experience. According to Brentano, emotions are evaluations of objects in relation to our desires and values. This theory had a significant impact on the development of the philosophy of emotion and influenced thinkers such as Max Scheler and Edmund Husserl.
Influence on Contemporary Philosophy
Brentano's philosophy has had a lasting impact on contemporary philosophy. His theory of intentionality influenced the development of phenomenology, a philosophical current that focuses on the description and analysis of conscious experience. Thinkers such as Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger were deeply influenced by Brentano's ideas and developed their own theories of intentionality.
Furthermore, the distinction between intentional consciousness and unintentional consciousness proposed by Brentano has also had a significant impact on contemporary philosophy of mind. This distinction helped shape the debate about the nature of the mind and the relationship between the mind and the world.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite his significant contributions, Brentano's ideas were also subject to criticism and controversy. For example, his theory of intentionality was criticized by some philosophers who argued that not all mental acts are necessarily directed at objects. Furthermore, his theory of emotion was also criticized by some who considered that emotions are not just evaluations of objects, but also involve physiological responses and behavioral expressions.
Brentano's legacy
Brentano's legacy in philosophy is undeniable. His contributions to psychology and the philosophy of mind influenced important thinkers and helped shape the development of these areas. His emphasis on intentionality and the distinction between intentional and unintentional consciousness continues to be discussed and explored by contemporary philosophers. Brentano left a lasting impact on philosophy and his work continues to be studied and debated to this day.
