teleological

[ tel-ee-uh-loj-i-kuhl, tee-lee- ]

adjective

, Philosophy.

1. of or relating to teleology, the philosophical doctrine that final causes, design, and purpose exist in nature.

Other Words From

• tele·o·logi·cal·ly adverb
• nontel·e·o·logi·cal adjective
• nontel·e·o·logi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of teleological¹

teleolog(y) + -ical

Example Sentences

Finally, Obama weighed in with his teleological view of the historical process, revealing a rather optimistic and Whiggish view.

From The Daily Beast

In the face of such teleological heft, there is often little to do but grab your board and head for the beach.

From The Daily Beast

The pointy undergarment reached its teleological conclusion in 1990, when Gaultier designed the rocket cone bra for Madonna.

From The Daily Beast

Many, perhaps, will see an additional cause in teleological considerations, aiming at the avoidance of in-and-in breeding.

From Project Gutenberg

The character of the entire point of view is personal, human, teleological, ethical.

From Project Gutenberg

It remains then that the cause of the teleological life of the sublunar world is an immaterial power, a separate intellect.

From Project Gutenberg

It is this teleological unfolding of activity that constitutes any object or phenomenon an "animate" fact.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet in spite of all this Philo uses quite an elaborate teleological argument drawn from the order in the world.

From Project Gutenberg