Teleological and Teleonomic, a New Analysis

Abstract

Traditional obkections to the use of teleological language - teleological statements and explanations imply the endorsement of unverifiable theological or metaphysical doctrines in science - the belief that acceptance of explanations for biological phenomena that are not equally applicable to inanimate nature constitutes rejection of a physiochemical explanation - the assumption that future goals were the cause of current events seemd in complete conflict with any concept of causality - teleological language seemed to represent objectionable anthropomorphism The heterogeneity of teleological phenomena Unidirecional evolutionary sequences (progressionism, orthogenesis) Seemingly or genuinely goal-directed processes - teleomatic processes in inanimate nature - teleonomic processes in living nature - - definition of the term "telenomic" - - recent uses of the term "teleonomic" Teleological systems The heuristic nature of teleonomic language Aristotle and teleology Kant and teleology