teleology

IPA: tiɫiʌɫˈɔdʒi

(philosophy) The study of the purpose or design of natural occurrences.
(by extension) An instance of such a design or purpose, usually in natural phenomena.
The use of a purpose or design rather than the laws of nature to explain an occurrence.

Examples of "teleology" in Sentences

The concept of teleology suggests that there is a purpose or end goal to everything in nature
Many philosophers debate whether teleology is a valid explanation for the complexity of living organisms
The teleological argument for the existence of a higher power posits that the order and design in the universe must have a purpose
Teleology can be seen in the way plants grow towards the sun, demonstrating a clear design in nature
Critics of teleology argue that attributing purpose to natural phenomena is simply a human projection onto the world