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Teleology
01
the study of purpose, design, and final causes in the natural world, exploring the idea that things have inherent goals or intentions
Example
Evolutionary biology often explores the apparent teleology in the adaptations of living organisms, considering whether they result from intentional design.
The idea of teleology in nature was challenged by Enlightenment thinkers who sought to explain phenomena without resorting to divine purpose.
In discussions about artificial intelligence, questions of teleology arise regarding the purpose and goals programmed into machines.
word family
teleo
Noun
teleology
Noun
teleologist
Noun
teleologist
Noun
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