Intentionality refers to the quality of mental states that are directed toward an object or goal. It is a fundamental concept in philosophy and psychology, indicating that thoughts, beliefs, and desires are always about something. For example, when someone thinks about a vacation, their mental state is intentionally focused on that specific idea. In philosophy, particularly in the works of Franz Brentano and later Edmund Husserl, intentionality is crucial for understanding consciousness. It suggests that our experiences are not isolated but are always connected to the world around us. This connection helps explain how we interpret and interact with our environment.