teleology

tel·e·ol·o·gy

noun \ˌte-lē-ˈä-lə-jē, ˌtē-\

Definition of TELEOLOGY

1

a : the study of evidences of design in nature b : a doctrine (as in vitalism) that ends are immanent in nature c : a doctrine explaining phenomena by final causes

2

: the fact or character attributed to nature or natural processes of being directed toward an end or shaped by a purpose

3

: the use of design or purpose as an explanation of natural phenomena

— tel·e·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Origin of TELEOLOGY

New Latin teleologia, from Greek tele-, telos end, purpose + -logia -logy — more at wheel

First Known Use: 1740

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism