collective intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collective intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the shared goals or purposes of a group of people. Example: "The success of the project depended on the alignment of our collective intentions towards a common objective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Instead, he argues that collective intentional agency supervenes on individual intentional agency in ways that allow us to talk about both collective intentions and collective actions.

SEP

Collective intentions can be attributed to individuals, but only collectively, it seems, and not distributively.

SEP

"We're trying to reflect the world's collective intentions".

The New York Times - Tech

Collective intentions, or "we-intentions," entail the existence of individual intentions, or "I-intentions," because a person cannot intend that he and others do something without also intending that he do his part (and because there is no distinct entity, over and above the individual, that could be said to be the bearer of a collective intention).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Related work, but not a logic of action in the strict sense, concerns the logical treatment of collective intentions (Keplicz and Verbrugge 2002).

SEP

To suppose this is to suppose that meaning is independent of our collective intentions, which is a very large dead rat to swallow.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If people wonder whether other people are gay, "that is the collective intention, and we abide with it".

The New York Times - Tech

The AT is a place of altruism, non-judgment and kindness and there is collective intention to enable healing and self-discovery".

The Guardian - Travel

A key notion in Searle's account of social institutions is that of a collective intention, such as the intention expressed by "Let's push the log at the count of three".

Encyclopedia Britannica

One person's we-intention does not make for a collective intention.

SEP

How do the we-intentions of individual participants have to be related to each other in order to constitute a genuine collective intention?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In philosophical discussions, use "collective intentions" to distinguish from individual intentions, highlighting the shared nature of purpose and action.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a sum of individual intentions automatically equals "collective intentions". A true collective intention requires a shared understanding and commitment among the individuals involved. Individual intentions can contribute to a whole, but do not necessarily constitute a collective intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collective intentions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the shared goals or purposes of a group. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to talk about both collective intentions and actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collective intentions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the shared goals or purposes of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes both collective intentions and collective actions. It appears most frequently in science, news and media, and encyclopedia contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure you're conveying a genuine shared understanding and commitment, distinguishing it from the mere aggregation of individual intentions. Alternatives include "shared intentions", "group intentions", and "common goals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared intentions

This alternative emphasizes the shared aspect of the intentions, focusing on the agreement among individuals.

group intentions

This alternative highlights the group aspect, suggesting intentions held by the group as a whole.

common goals

This alternative shifts the focus from intentions to the desired outcomes, emphasizing the shared objectives.

shared objectives

Similar to 'common goals', this phrase focuses on the alignment of objectives among individuals in a group.

joint purpose

This phrase suggests a unified aim or reason for action that is shared by a collective.

collective aims

This alternative emphasizes the targets or ends that a group is striving to achieve together.

united goals

This phrase stresses the unity and agreement in the goals that a group is pursuing.

concerted effort

This alternative highlights the coordinated and collaborative nature of the effort, implying a shared intention.

aligned intentions

This phrases stresses how well the intentions are coordinated

team objectives

This phrase emphasizes the team aspect and the objectives that the team is working towards.

FAQs

How is "collective intentions" used in philosophical contexts?

In philosophy, "collective intentions" refers to the shared mental states and goals that enable groups to act together. It's a topic of debate whether these intentions are reducible to individual intentions or represent a distinct phenomenon. Philosophers like John Searle have contributed significantly to this discussion.

What's the difference between "collective intentions" and individual intentions?

"Collective intentions" involve a shared commitment and understanding among a group to achieve a common goal. Individual intentions, on the other hand, are personal goals that may or may not align with others. The key difference lies in the shared and interdependent nature of the intention.

What are some synonyms for "collective intentions"?

Alternatives to "collective intentions" include "shared intentions", "group intentions", or "common goals" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the shared purpose.

How can I ensure that a group has genuine "collective intentions"?

To ensure a group has genuine "collective intentions", focus on open communication, shared decision-making, and a clear articulation of common goals. It's crucial to foster a sense of shared commitment and mutual understanding among group members, clarifying how individual roles contribute to a larger purpose.