Johan Gamper
Philosophy of science builds upon a conception of science. In part this holds also for philosophy of mind. Philosophy of mind can build upon a conception of the mind. On the other side the mind is not – only – a concept. One alternative regarding the mind in relation to philosophy is that we can have – or have – direct access to it via introspection.
The Intention method is a unique research tool that puts a new perspective on the dynamics of the mind. To its essence it shows that the mind is divisible and very sensitive, especially in its early phases.
The Intention method is based on the continental psychologist Franz Ruppert’s empirical research and theory and is usually used in a group format.
Theory: The idea is that the mind from the beginning is a divisible integrated whole and that it can split if it is subjected to unbearable experiences. A unique feature of the theory is that the very splits are sustained actively and continuously.
Practice: The practical work centers around a sentence that is uttered and written down by an individual; the intention. The intention is something the individual wants and is therefore about something that the individual does not have. In the next phase a selected group of people works with the intention interacting with the individual having the intention. Theoretically and most often displayed in the work the sentence represents split off parts of the individual.
Clinically the work is lead by an experienced therapist and aims at reintegrating split off parts.
The Intention method exposes questions like What is a subject? Is a little angry split off part that just hates this or that a subject in its own right? Or must it qualify in some special sense beyond having the generic characteristics like having sensations, wanting things, and having intentions?
As noted in the post “Macro Psychology and the Foundation of Psychotherapy”, Macro Psychology, based in the concept of Biological Energy as described here, can offer a theoretically integrative perspective on central contemporary psychotherapies. Dealing with more profound splits, however, the Intention method offers a new opening for theoretical explanation and treatment. In the language of Macro Psychology a profound split energizes one part and leaves another part drained of energy. Theoretically, however, the case is worse. Given that some time passes the original integrated whole has been totally ignored and has no energy of its own. Integration is therefore very difficult. In the light of Macro Psychology the Intention method enables stepwise integration via investment in the Intention. Energetically drained parts are acknowledged as well as highly energized parts that have the role to keep the drained ones away.
Adalja 