Propositional attitude

Introduction

A propositional attitude is a mental state held by an agent toward a proposition. Propositional attitudes are often assumed to be the fundamental units of thought and their contents, being propositions, are truth-evaluable.

Overview

Propositional attitudes have directions of fit: some are meant to reflect the world, others to influence it.

History

The concept of propositional attitudes has been around since the days of ancient philosophers. However, it was not until the 20th century that the term was formally introduced and studied in depth by philosophers and cognitive scientists.

Types of Propositional Attitudes

There are several types of propositional attitudes, including belief, desire, intention, and doubt. Each of these attitudes represents a different way in which an individual can relate to a proposition.

Belief

Belief is a propositional attitude where an individual affirms the truth of a proposition. For example, if an individual believes that the sky is blue, they are affirming the truth of the proposition "the sky is blue."

Desire

Desire is a propositional attitude where an individual wishes for a proposition to be true. For example, if an individual desires to go to the beach, they are wishing for the truth of the proposition "I am going to the beach."

Intention

Intention is a propositional attitude where an individual plans for a proposition to be true. For example, if an individual intends to study for an exam, they are planning for the truth of the proposition "I will study for the exam."

Doubt

Doubt is a propositional attitude where an individual questions the truth of a proposition. For example, if an individual doubts that it will rain tomorrow, they are questioning the truth of the proposition "it will rain tomorrow."