* A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

Teleology

Teleology: explanation of phenomena on the grounds of their intrinsic end or purpose.

either (a) teleonomy, or (b) the idea that natural phenomena are caused by an end or purpose which they serve.

Source: What is Good? What is Bad? The Value of All Values across Time, Place and Theories’ by John McMurtry, Philosophy and World Problems, Volume I-III, UNESCO in partnership with Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems: Oxford, 2004-11.