Intentions and Side Effects

Abstract

AbstractJudging that somebody does something intentionally is a key element in interpersonal relationships. If somebody does something good intentionally, they are more apt targets for praise and rewards. If somebody does something bad intentionally, they are more apt targets for blame and punishment. But what is involved in acting intentionally? Again, there is substantial philosophical disagreement about the right answer to that question. Important cases that have been used to test theories about intentional action involve side effects of actions. Research shows there is a tendency for good side effects to be judged as not intentionally brought about, yet bad side effects are judged to be intentionally brought about. This chapter documents that this judgment asymmetry is predicted by the global personality trait extraversion. Those who are extraverted tend to judge that bad side effects are intentionally brought about whereas introverts do not agree that bad side effects are intentional, even after controlling for a host of other factors including concepts of intuitional action, other personality traits, and cognitive skills. We also present evidence that we can predictably manipulate intentionality judgments of side effects based on what we know about judgment tendencies of extraverts.