Intenties

Intenties are mental states or commitments that orient action toward future outcomes. In Dutch usage, the plural term intents (intenties) covers aims, purposes, or planned courses of action behind behavior. The concept appears in everyday language as well as in scientific and professional contexts, where it helps explain why people act in certain ways and how plans are formed or modulated.

Etymology and scope: The word intentie derives from French intention and Latin intentio, with the plural forms adapting to Dutch grammar. While closely linked to the English word intention, in Dutch usage intents can also refer to strategic aims in organizations, policies, or personal development, not only private motives.

Contexts and applications: In psychology and behavioral sciences, intentions are viewed as proximal determinants of action, often mediating between attitudes and actual behavior. The Theory of Planned Behavior, for example, links attitudes, social norms, and perceived control to intention and then to behavior. In philosophy, discussions of intentionality address the aboutness of mental states—how beliefs, desires, and thoughts about the world refer to things beyond themselves. In law and business, a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding signals an intention to negotiate or proceed with a deal, but is not always legally binding.

Measurement and challenges: Intentions are typically assessed through self-report surveys or behavioral indicators. A common issue is the intention–behavior gap, where stated aims do not always translate into action due to constraints, motivation shifts, or unforeseen obstacles. In technology and user experience, the term intention is used to describe the goal a user expresses in an interaction, guiding system responses and design.

See also: intention, intentionality, goal, motivation, behavior.