Reid on Conception and Object-Directedness: Moving Beyond the Framework of Intentionality

In this paper, I argue that using the notion of intentionality to interpret Reid on conception and object-directedness misrepresents his views on both, and generates unnecessary interpretative puzzles about sensation and consciousness. I develop an alternative, consciousness-based, interpretation of his view of conception, object-directedness, his distinction between sensation and perception, and his overall mental taxonomy. This approach clarifies the continuity of his views of conception and sensation with those of the moderns, especially Locke and Descartes. It also makes clear how Reid uses his notion of object-directedness to save the moderns’ claims about sensation while avoiding the theory of ideas.