teleology

Definition of Teleology in English :

1. teleology

(philosophy) a doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Teleology

noun

1. 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

noun

1.

the study of final causes

2.

the fact or quality of being directed toward a definite end or of having an ultimate purpose, esp. as attributed to natural processes

3.

a.

a belief, as that of vitalism, that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature

b.

the study of evidence for this belief

4. Ethics

the evaluation of conduct, as in utilitarianism, in relation to the end or ends it serves

n. pl. tel·e·ol·o·gies

1. The philosophical interpretation of natural phenomena as exhibiting purpose or design.

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 history.