30 Phil, Chapter 18, Peter Abelard, Touchstone 44: Intent.
The concept of intent has deep roots. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, argued that voluntary actions guided by intention were essential for moral responsibility and virtue. Similarly, Roman law incorporated the concept of “mens rea,” a guilty mind, as a vital element in determining guilt. In 30 Philosophers, intent is explored using a “good intent-good result” device.