INTENTIONAL FALLACY Meaning and
Definition
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The intentional fallacy refers to a critical and interpretative error in literary analysis where the author's original intentions or motivations are viewed as the sole determinant of a work's meaning. Coined by W.K. Wimsatt and Monroe Beardsley in their essay "The Intentional Fallacy" (1946), the term emphasizes that the author's intentions should not be privileged over the reader's interpretation in determining the meaning and value of a literary work.
According to this fallacy, the intentional fallacy suggests that the author's intention is often inaccessible or uncertain and can be misinterpreted due to various contextual factors, cultural influences, or personal biases. It argues that a text's significance lies in its inherent qualities and the reader's subjective response rather than the author’s original aims.
Proponents of this fallacy contend that interpreting a text solely through the lens of the author's intentions can limit and constraint its interpretation, thereby restricting the reader's freedom to derive personal meaning from the work. Thus, the intentional fallacy serves as a reminder to critics and scholars that understanding and analyzing a literary work should not solely rely on discerning the author's original intentions but also consider the individual experiences, perspectives, and cultural milieu of the reader.
By acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and multiplicity of interpretations, the intentional fallacy encourages embracing the reader's active role in constructing meaning and appreciating literature for its complexity and openness to diverse interpretations.
Etymology of INTENTIONAL FALLACY
The term "intentional fallacy" was coined by American literary critics William K. Wimsatt and Monroe C. Beardsley in their influential essay "The Intentional Fallacy", published in 1946. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Intentional: The word "intentional" comes from the Latin word "intentionalis", which is derived from "intentio", meaning "a stretching out" or "purpose". It refers to something that is done with a deliberate aim or purpose.
2. Fallacy: The word "fallacy" originates from the Latin word "fallacia", meaning "deception" or "fraud". In logic and reasoning, a fallacy refers to a mistaken belief or flawed argument that appears to be logical but is actually invalid or misleading.
