teleological Definition
- 1relating to or involving the explanation of phenomena in terms of the purpose they serve rather than of the cause by which they arise.
- 2relating to the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world.
Using teleological: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "teleological" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The teleological argument for the existence of God posits that the universe must have been created with a specific purpose in mind.
Example
The teleological approach to biology emphasizes the study of organisms in terms of their functions and adaptations.
Example
The teleological interpretation of history suggests that events unfold according to a predetermined plan or purpose.
teleological Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for teleological
- purposeful
- goal-oriented
- design-oriented
Antonyms for teleological
- non-teleological
- non-purposeful
Phrases with teleological
a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of the end goal or purpose of an action in determining its ethical value
Example
Teleological ethics would argue that lying is acceptable if it leads to a greater good.
an argument for the existence of God based on the apparent design and purpose of the natural world
Example
The teleological argument posits that the complexity and order of the universe suggest the existence of an intelligent creator.
a concept in philosophy that refers to the idea of setting aside ethical norms or principles in order to achieve a higher purpose or goal
Example
Kierkegaard's concept of the teleological suspension of the ethical suggests that there are times when ethical norms must be disregarded in order to achieve a higher spiritual goal.
Origins of teleological
from Greek 'telos', meaning 'end, purpose' + 'logos', meaning 'word, reason'
Summary: teleological in Brief
The term 'teleological' [tel-ee-uh-loj-i-kuhl] describes an approach to explaining phenomena based on their purpose or end goal, rather than their cause. This can be applied to fields such as biology, ethics, and theology, as seen in the 'teleological argument' for the existence of God. The adjective 'teleological' implies a focus on design and purpose, and is often used in formal contexts.
