tel·e·ol·o·gy (t l  - l  -j, tl-)n. pl. tel·e·ol·o·gies 1. The study of design or purpose in natural phenomena. 2. The use of ultimate purpose or design as a means of explaining phenomena. 3. Belief in or the perception of purposeful development toward an end, as in nature or history. [Greek teleios, teleos, perfect, complete (from telos, end, result; see kwel-1 in Indo-European roots) + -logy.] tel e·o·logi·cal (--lj -kl), tele·o·logic (-k) adj.tel e·o·logi·cal·ly adv.tel e·olo·gist n. |
teleology [ˌtɛlɪˈɒlədʒɪ ˌtiːlɪ-]
n
1. (Philosophy) Philosophy
a. the doctrine that there is evidence of purpose or design in the universe, and esp that this provides proof of the existence of a Designer
b. the belief that certain phenomena are best explained in terms of purpose rather than cause
c. the systematic study of such phenomena See also final cause
2. (Philosophy) Biology the belief that natural phenomena have a predetermined purpose and are not determined by mechanical laws
[from New Latin teleologia, from Greek telos end + -logy]
teleological [ˌtɛlɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˌtiːlɪ-], teleologic adj
teleologically adv
teleologism n
teleologist n
teleology
1. the doctrine that final causes (purposes) exist.
2. the study of the evidences of design or purpose in nature.
3. such a design or purpose.
4. the belief that purpose and design are a part of or apparent in nature.
5. Vitalism. the doctrine that phenomena are guided by both mechanical forces and goals of self-realization. Cf. entelechy. — teleologist, n. — teleologie, teleological, adj.
See also: Philosophy
2. the study of the evidences of design or purpose in nature.
3. such a design or purpose.
4. the belief that purpose and design are a part of or apparent in nature.
5. Vitalism. the doctrine that phenomena are guided by both mechanical forces and goals of self-realization. Cf. entelechy. — teleologist, n. — teleologie, teleological, adj.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | teleology - (philosophy) a doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy |
Translations
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