Empathy, Intentionality and "Other Mind": from Phenomenology to Contemporary Versions of Naturalism

Purpose. This article discusses researching the nature and basic structure of acts empathy. Such research first requires answering question: are empathic intentional our consciousness? If answer to this question is affirmative, then there a need following questions: what features empathy as ones? And can such be qualified opening special complex type access (epistemic, social, ethical) "other minds"? Theoretical basis. The based on problems set by phenomenological tradition developed analytical philosophy, which found their continuation in philosophy mind. With tendency naturalization, representatives these areas have another common sphere mental reality. changes that both traditions undergoing observed transformation fundamental theoretical concepts "intentionality". linguistic turn gives impetus development new approaches understanding consciousness, give preference language rather than Self. change methodological guidelines due few factors. In particular, noticeable progress empirical sciences dominance Behaviorism psychology, well fact Anglo-American inherits several intrinsic British empiricism. Today, three main directions intentionality distinguished. Starting from Brentano Husserl, we classical theory – (phenomenological). As part language, talk about linguistically interpreted intentionality. Sellars’ model has definite component. Also, modern version functions consciousness: attempts naturalize (this is, for example, Galen Strawson Daniel Dennett). Originality. problem studied not context or isolation, but problematic-conceptual way, allows us reach level generalization reveal advantages combining traditions. Conclusions. Empathic Acts defined within tradition. acts, they specificity directed mind" form basis intersubjectivity. For analytic early statements obvious. However, discussions role corporality concerning embodied cognition becoming increasingly today. discussions, empathy, an element knowledge others possibility grounding social sciences, seems more promising make epistemic other minds possible argument analogy inference best explanation.