Abstract

DIEZ PATRICIO, Antonio. On interpretation: (I) Theory of action. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2013, vol.33, n.117, pp.47-66. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-57352013000100004.

The present study aims to establish an interpretive theory of behaviour. Interpretation is understood as the attribution of meaning, in other words revelation of the motives and intentions of an action. The study comprises two parts. In this first part the fundamentals of a theory of action are set out: representation as a paradigmatic mental phenomenon, intentionality and intention as predicates of action, and the mental and physical components of action and the role of motives and intentions in their causation. Verbal language, as a rule-guided activity, is taken as a model of action: theory of speech acts. Likewise, on the basis of treating mental representation as signs, a semiotic theory of action is set out. Finally, turning to the semiotic duality of natural sign versus artificial sign, the correspondence between this and the epistemological duality of explanation versus interpretation is described.

Keywords : Interpretation; representation; theory of action; intention; speech acts.

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