teleologist

/,teli'ɔlədʤist/

Thân thiện

A teleologist observes the intricate design of a honeycomb.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An advocate or adherent of teleology: A teleologist is a person who supports, believes in, or advocates for the philosophical doctrine of teleology. Teleology is the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes, often implying that things in nature have an inherent purpose or are directed toward an end goal.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • As a teleologist, she argued that the complexity of the human eye implies a purposeful design.
  • The debate between the mechanist and the teleologist centered on whether nature operates by chance or by intention.

Advanced Usage

• In philosophical discourse: The term is often used in contexts discussing arguments for design in nature, ethics (teleological ethics, which judges actions by their outcomes), or biology (vitalism).
  • The philosopher's teleologist perspective was evident in his claim that every organ has a function for the good of the organism.

Variants and Related Words

• Teleology (n): The study of purpose or design in natural phenomena.
  • The concept of teleology has a long history in philosophy and theology.
• Teleological (adj): Relating to teleology or design.
  • He made a teleological argument for the existence of God.

Synonyms

• Finalist: One who believes in final causes or purposes.
• Vitalist (in specific biological contexts): One who believes life processes are directed by a vital principle toward a goal.

Related Phrases

• Teleological argument: Also known as the argument from design, it is an argument for the existence of God based on perceived evidence of order, purpose, or design in nature.
  • The teleologist presented a version of the teleological argument to the academy.

Học thuật

Noun

1. advocate of teleology