The Controversial Rise of Skilled Intentionality
Reconsidering Hylonoetic Agency in Malafouris’ Material Engagement Theory
abstract
In this paper some features of ‘skilled intentionality’ are considered. It is specified what has to be intended for Material Engagement Theory and why Malafouris’ formulation of it deserves a prominent role. Then, it is indicated how the transition from the holomorphic theory to the hylonoetic one is prepared in his works. In the third paragraph, Malafouris’ approach is partially criticised by confronting his theses with Bergson’s. In the final section, the criticism is made more explicit, considering the case of the Acheulan hand axe’s symmetry.
Keywords: Skill • Field • Knapping • Malafouris • Blind man’s stick