The intentions formerly known as goals

[From Bill Powers (2003.05.25.1310 MdT)]

Rick Marken (2003.05.25.1130)--

> Rick Marken (2003.05.25.1010)--

>
> > I don't know what "confronting the difficulties people have
translating higher
> > level goals into reference levels" means but it has certainly never
been a topic
> > of any importance to me.

...

Because it makes no sense to me. One way to make sense of it is to assume
that it's
about translating higher level goals into references (for lower level
perceptions).

Try this: it's about the problem of translating loose verbally stated goals
like "I want to lose weight" into actual perceptual and reference signals
concerning sensed weight, and then of finding lower-level actions that will
affect that the corresponding perceptual signals. Example: while hanging
onto the railing and panting after climbing one flight of steps, realizing
that _this_ is what the word "overweight" means.

Rick, I'm getting a strong sense of foot-dragging from you, as though
you're perfectly satisfied with everything the way it is and are resisting
any suggestion that something new might be added -- even peripherally.
What's the problem?

Best,

Bill P.