intentional fallacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intentional fallacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in literary criticism to refer to the idea that a work's meaning should not be judged based on the author's intentions. Example: "Critics often argue that focusing on the author's intent leads to an intentional fallacy, as the text should be analyzed independently of the creator's purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

One might not go so far as to claim that meaning is author's intention (the so-called intentional fallacy), but it is hard to deny that author's intention is at least relevant to meaning.

SEP

In "The Intentional Fallacy," he says that the intentions of the artist are neither "available nor desirable" (p. 367), with this meaning that such intentions aren't always available and are never desirable.

SEP

It's part of the intentional fallacy.

The New Yorker

Maybe that's an accurate judgment; maybe it submits to an intentional fallacy.

The New York Times - Arts

They will therefore be idealizers of that writer and perpetrators (consciously or not) of the intentional fallacy.

The New Yorker

Indeed, Carter has benefitted from a version of the intentional fallacy, according to which any music that is complex in design is automatically held to be complex in effect.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

If someone ends up spouting intentional logical fallacies, ignore them and go on with your life.

WikiHow

Many people's "close reading" model was largely inherited from the New Criticism, which railed against the so-called "intentional and affective fallacies" (basically – what the author intended by the poem, and how you personally respond to it; why these are "fallacies" is lost on me), and proposed that the poem had to be read on its own terms, and in its own context, alone.

The Guardian - Books

There were too many intentional flaws that were not fallacies.

Huffington Post

"Outright fallacy.

The New York Times

(Wording intentional).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing art or literature, consider the "intentional fallacy" to avoid limiting your interpretation solely to the creator's stated intentions. Explore the work's internal elements and broader cultural contexts for a more comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that understanding an artist's intentions automatically reveals the 'true' meaning of their work. The "intentional fallacy" suggests that a work's meaning is shaped by its internal elements and audience reception, not just the creator's purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intentional fallacy" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific concept in literary criticism and philosophy. It's used to describe the error of basing interpretations solely on an author's stated intentions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "intentional fallacy" refers to the error of interpreting a work of art based solely on the creator's intended meaning, rather than analyzing the work itself. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used in academic and critical contexts. This concept, as discussed in various sources like The New Yorker and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, challenges the notion that an author's intention is the definitive guide to understanding their work. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of examining the text's internal elements and considering its broader cultural impact. When writing about art or literature, be mindful of this fallacy and strive for a balanced analysis that considers both the artist's intent and the work's intrinsic qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorial intent fallacy

Replaces "intentional" with "authorial" for a more formal tone, emphasizing the author's role.

disregarding authorial intention

Focuses on the action of disregarding the author's intention rather than labeling it as a fallacy.

error of intentionality

Emphasizes the mistake in focusing on the intent rather than the work itself.

mistake of prioritizing author's intent

Highlights the error in placing the author's intention above the work's intrinsic meaning.

fallacy of focusing on the author's purpose

Clarifies that the fallacy lies in prioritizing the author's intended purpose.

overemphasis on authorial intent

Shifts the focus to the overemphasis, suggesting that intent is not entirely irrelevant, just overvalued.

neglecting the intrinsic meaning of the work

Highlights the consequence of the "intentional fallacy", which is ignoring the work's inherent value.

the author's intention as irrelevant

Presents the author's intention as unimportant in the analysis of the work.

the irrelevance of authorial intention

Highlights that the authorial intention is not relevant for the interpretation of the work.

the danger of prioritizing author's intention

Clarifies that prioritizing the author's intention could be dangerous.

FAQs

How does the "intentional fallacy" affect literary analysis?

The "intentional fallacy" suggests that a literary work should be analyzed based on its internal elements and not solely on the author's intentions. It encourages critics to consider the text's intrinsic meaning and broader context.

What are some criticisms of the "intentional fallacy"?

Some critics argue that completely disregarding authorial intent can lead to misinterpretations, especially when historical or biographical context is crucial to understanding a work. However, proponents maintain that the text should stand on its own merits.

What is the relationship between the "intentional fallacy" and the "death of the author"?

Both concepts challenge the traditional view of the author as the ultimate authority on their work's meaning. The "intentional fallacy" specifically cautions against relying solely on the author's stated intentions, while the "death of the author" suggests that the author's identity and biography are irrelevant to the interpretation of the work.

How can I avoid committing the "intentional fallacy" in my analysis?

Focus on the text itself, examining its language, structure, and themes. Consider historical and cultural contexts, but avoid relying solely on the author's statements about their intentions. Explore multiple interpretations and support your claims with evidence from the text.