Teleological
adjective
Relates to the belief that things have a purpose, goal or direction, usually for an end good or benefit.
The teleological argument holds that the universe's order and complexity suggests an intelligent design.
Usage tips
Philosophical
adjective
Pertains to explaining phenomena by their outcomes or purposes, rather than by the steps leading to them.
In biology, teleological explanations can describe the purpose of an organism's features or behaviors.
Often appears as...
- teleological explanation
- teleological approach
adjective
Concerning the interpretation of actions or events in terms of their intended outcomes or goals.
The therapist used a teleological approach to understand the deeper motivation behind the patient's actions.
Often appears as...
- teleological understanding
- teleological approach
adjective
Relates to the belief that things have a purpose, goal or direction, usually for an end good or benefit.
The teleological argument holds that the universe's order and complexity suggests an intelligent design.
Usage tips
Philosophical
adjective
Pertains to explaining phenomena by their outcomes or purposes, rather than by the steps leading to them.
In biology, teleological explanations can describe the purpose of an organism's features or behaviors.
Often appears as...
- teleological explanation
- teleological approach
adjective
Concerning the interpretation of actions or events in terms of their intended outcomes or goals.
The therapist used a teleological approach to understand the deeper motivation behind the patient's actions.
Often appears as...
- teleological understanding
- teleological approach
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Philosophical Context
Used when discussing the philosophical belief in purposeful design or existence in the universe.
A teleological view suggests every event has a predetermined purpose.
Pro Tip 2/2Deeper Intent
Indicates looking beyond the obvious to find the 'big picture' reason or end goal.
Her teleological reasoning led her to believe that the law served a greater social purpose.
Pro Tip 1/2Philosophical Context
Used when discussing the philosophical belief in purposeful design or existence in the universe.
A teleological view suggests every event has a predetermined purpose.
Pro Tip 2/2Deeper Intent
Indicates looking beyond the obvious to find the 'big picture' reason or end goal.
Her teleological reasoning led her to believe that the law served a greater social purpose.
Pro Tip 1/2Philosophical Context
Used when discussing the philosophical belief in purposeful design or existence in the universe.
A teleological view suggests every event has a predetermined purpose.
Pro Tip 2/2Deeper Intent
Indicates looking beyond the obvious to find the 'big picture' reason or end goal.
Her teleological reasoning led her to believe that the law served a greater social purpose.
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Quote examples
Christian Lous Lange
Norwegian Politician
But teleological considerations can lead no further than to a belief and a hope. They do not give certainty.
Quote examples
David Foster Wallace
American Writer
Pleasure becomes a value, a teleological end in itself. It's probably more Western than U.S. per se.
Quote examples
Christian Lous Lange
Norwegian Politician
But teleological considerations can lead no further than to a belief and a hope. They do not give certainty.
Quote examples
David Foster Wallace
American Writer
Pleasure becomes a value, a teleological end in itself. It's probably more Western than U.S. per se.
Example 1 of 2
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