An intention that has not been made but presumably would have been made if the person had been aware of the circumstances. Thus, if the literal interpretation of a law would cause more harm than good, one might interpret the mind of the lawgiver and relax the law in this particular case.
See Also: ACTUAL INTENTION, See Also: HABITUAL INTENTION, See Also: VIRTUAL INTENTION, See Also: INTENTION
An intention that was once made and continues to influence the act now being done. But it is not present to the person's consciousness at the moment of performing the act. This kind of intention is sufficient for a human act to be voluntary and therefore morally responsible. (Etym. Latin virtualis, from virtus, capacity, virtue.)
See Also: ACTUAL INTENTION, See Also: HABITUAL INTENTION, See Also: INTENTION, See Also: INTERPRETATIVE INTENTION