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
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