Acting under the "Guise of the Good". A critical analysis of the evaluation requirement for intentional agency

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The essay explores the "guise of the good" thesis, arguing that agents perceive some goodness in their intentional actions. It addresses common objections rooted in the ambiguity of the term "good" and clarifies the concept of intentional action. By distinguishing two interpretations of goodness, the author presents a structured argument: if agents have motivating reasons for their actions, they must perceive some good in them. The paper also critiques Kieran Setiya's objections, suggesting ways to reconcile these issues, and calls for further interdisciplinary research, particularly in psychology.