Anscombe and the ‘Reach’ of the Mind
Clare Mac Cumhaill
Mind September 24, 2026 DOI: 10.1093/mind/fzag041 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Anscombe's critical engagement with contemporary psychokinesis research shaped her account of action in Intention, and proposes that human intentional action is essentially 'at a distance' or at scale. Offers a fresh reading of Anscombean practical knowledge by analogy with prophecy. |
Abstract
Abstract: Anscombe’s 1947 report to the Mary Somerville Fellowship Committee shows that she had engaged with some (then) contemporary empirical work on psychokinesis—parapsychological research that Wittgenstein was also aware of. I first show that this critical engagement shaped her treatment of action in Intention. Human intentional action is essentially ‘at a distance’ or at scale. I then advance a fresh take on Anscombean practical knowledge by analogy with prophecy.