Teleology

Tugby, Matthew

Abstract

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.

Citation

Tugby, M. (2024). Teleology. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009257404

• Book Type: Authored Book
• Online Publication Date: Aug 31, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Series Title: Metaphysics
• ISBN: 9781009257404; 9781009500326; 9781009257398
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009257404
• Keywords: Teleology; functions; goals; ends; powers
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2853471
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/teleology/87D92768A124CBE24AC03AE4410269BA