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1. (n.) teleology
the doctrine that final causes exist.
2. teleology
the study of the evidences of design or purpose in nature.
3. teleology
such design or purpose.
4. teleology
the belief that purpose and design are a part of or are apparent in nature.
5. teleology
(in vitalist philosophy) the doctrine that phenomena are guided not only by mechanical forces but that they also move toward certain goals of self-realization.
Etymology: (1730–40; < NL teleologia (1728); see teleo -)
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| Definition of 'teleology' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) teleology
(philosophy) a doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes
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| Definition of 'teleology' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) teleology
the doctrine of the final causes of things
2. (noun) teleology
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
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| Definitions of 'teleology' |
The Nuttall Encyclopedia |
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1. teleology
the doctrine of final causes, particularly the argument for the being and character of God from the being and character of His works, that the end reveals His purpose from the beginning, the end being regarded as the thought of God at the beginning, or the universe viewed as the realisation of Him and His eternal purpose.
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Definitions of teleology 
