Teleology

Teleology is about functions, ends, and goals in nature. This Element offers a philosophical examination of these phenomena and aims to reinstate teleology as a core part of the metaphysics of science. It starts with a critical analysis of three theories of function and argues that functions ultimately depend on goals. A metaphysical investigation of goal-directedness is then undertaken. After arguing against reductive approaches to goal-directedness, the Element develops a new theory which grounds many cases of goal-directedness in the metaphysics of powers. According to this theory, teleological properties are genuine, irreducible features of the world.

List of contents

1. Introduction; 2. Functions; 3. Goals; 4. Powers; References.

Summary

This Element offers a philosophical examination of these phenomena and aims to reinstate teleology as a core part of the metaphysics of science. The Element develops a new theory which grounds many cases of goal-directedness in the metaphysics of powers.

Product details

• Authors: Matthew Tugby, Tugby Matthew
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.07.2024
• EAN: 9781009500326
• ISBN: 978-1-00-950032-6
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 6 mm
• Weight: 259 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Series: Elements in Metaphysics
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > General, dictionaries; PHILOSOPHY / Epistemology, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge, Phenomenology & Existentialism, Phenomenology and Existentialism, Philosophy: epistemology and theory of knowledge