Intentionality and the virtual

After recalling how we define the virtual (which is not real but clearly displays the full qualities of the real, in a plainly actual – i.e. not potential – way), we explain why the “artificial agents” that are appearing in every part of the world of computers should be conceived as virtual agents, why attributing intentionality to them is not a matter of choice, contrary to what Dennett’s “intentional stance” suggests, and why such intentionality should be called virtual. As a result, the cognitive sciences project of “naturalizing” intentionality faces a new challenge.