teleology

Noun

Meaning

The doctrine of the final causes of things

the doctrine of design, which assumes that the phenomena of organic life, particularly those of evolution, are explicable only by purposive causes, and that they in no way admit of a mechanical explanation or one based entirely on biological science; the doctrine of adaptation to purpose.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

end game design object divinity goal target aim objective prey theology fate pursuit destiny culmination
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Antonyms

criminal disorder confusion chaos attacker murderer
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Related terms

teleological dysteleology teleologist teleologic teleologically

Examples

I would say that teleology is theology, and that God is not a "because," but rather an "in order to." Miguel de Unamuno

A teleology directed to material ends has been substituted for the lust for adventure, variety, and play. John Carroll

The assignment of purpose to everything is called teleology. Children are native teleologists, and many never grow out of it. Richard Dawkins

He's much more interested in teleology than sociology." citation Style Welsh's novels share characters, giving the feel of a "shared universe" within his writing. Source: Internet

Harvard Library Bulletin. 13:165–194 *1961 "Cause and effect in biology: Kinds of causes, predictability, and teleology are viewed by a practicing biologist". Source: Internet

Well, perhaps not growth, as that presumes a sort of teleology -- just movement, dynamism, thoughtfulness. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

teleologically teleologism teleologist teleomorph teleomorphic teleomorphically