Overview
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.
- | Author: Matthew Tugby
- | Publisher: Cambridge University Press
- | Publication Date: Jun 27, 2024
- | Number of Pages: 75 pages
- | Binding: Hardback or Cased Book
- | ISBN-10: 1009500325
- | ISBN-13: 9781009500326
