Chapter 5

Aspects of Meaning: Ontology, Inter-subjectivity, Intentionality

Ontology is a perspective of the elements surrounding our environment and how we structure them in ways that seems logical to ourselves.

Inter-subjectivity is vastly discussed in previous chapters, but this part extends the emphasis of technology being a tool to establish common grounds for people to communicate and collaborate.

Intentionality in relation to consequences for design of embodied systems are discussed more thoroughly in this chapter. The design of computations and computer software are to perform a task by referring to elements or models that are familiar with. Hence, the nature of computation is, by itself, intentional.

Action - Meaning - Coupling
Coupling: Intentional reference made effective.
Ready-to-hand, ready-at-hand - the relationship of an object changing according to its state.

The realisation of elements, of its intention, and of the overall goal in performing a task to achieve it.

Variable Coupling: Engagement Separation and Reengagement
The continuous process of embodied interaction and acting through it in order to achieve a task.