17 December 2016

teleology

[tel-ee-ol-uh-jee, tee-lee-]

noun, Philosophy.

1. the doctrine that final causes exist.
2. the study of the evidences of design or purpose in nature.
3. such design or purpose.
4. the belief that purpose and design are a part of or are apparent in nature.
5. (in vitalist philosophy) the doctrine that phenomena are guided not only by mechanical forces but that they also move toward certain goals of self-realization.

Origin of teleology

1730-1740; < New Latin teleologia. See teleo-, -logy

Related forms

teleological [tel-ee-uh-loj-i-kuh l, tee-lee-], teleologic, adjective
teleologism, noun
teleologist, noun

Dictionary.com

Anagram

tell gooey
to yell ego

Today’s quote

Character is what a man is in the dark.

– Dwight L. Moody

On this day

17 December 1770 – baptism of Ludwig von Beethoven, German composer. One of the world’s most influential composers. He composed 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 32 piano sonatos and 16 string quartets. Died 26 March 1827.

17 December 1903 – Orville and Wilbur Wright makes the world’s first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air flight.