Noun
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 dictionaryI 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