Word Study
teleology
CIDE DICTIONARY
teleology, n. [Gr. , teleos, the end or issue + -logy: cf. F. téléologie.].
The doctrine of the final causes of things [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
teleology, n. (pl. -ies) Philos.
1 the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes.
2 Theol. the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world.
1 the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes.
2 Theol. the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world.
Derivative
teleologic adj. teleological adj. teleologically adv. teleologism n. teleologist n.
Etymology
mod.L teleologia f. Gk telos teleos end + -LOGY
ROGET THESAURUS
teleology
Intention
N intent, intention, intentionality, purpose, quo animo, project, undertaking, predetermination, design, ambition, contemplation, mind, animus, view, purview, proposal, study, look out, final cause, raison d'etre, cui bono, object, aim, end, the be all and the end all, drift, tendency, destination, mark, point, butt, goal, target, bull's-eye, quintain, prey, quarry, game, decision, determination, resolve, fixed set purpose, settled purpose, ultimatum, resolution, wish, arriere pensee, motive, teleology, intended, intentional, advised, express, determinate, prepense, bound for, intending, minded, bent upon, at stake, on the anvil, on the tapis, in view, in prospect, in the breast of, in petto, teleological, intentionally, advisedly, wittingly, knowingly, designedly, purposely, on purpose, by design, studiously, pointedly, with intent, deliberately, with one's eyes open, in cold blood, for, with a view, with an eye to, in order to, in order that, to the end that, with the intent that, for the purpose of, with the view of, in contemplation of, on account of, in pursuance of, pursuant to, quo animo, to all intents and purposes, The road to hell is paved with good intentions, sublimi feriam sidera vertice.For further exploring for "teleology" in Webster Dictionary Online