[ ˌtɛlɪ'ɒlədʒi , ˌti:l- ]
■ noun ( plural teleologies )
1》 Philosophy the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes.
2》 Theology the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world.
Derivatives
teleologic adjective
teleological adjective
teleologically adverb
teleologism noun
teleologist noun
Origin
C18: from mod. L. teleologia , from Gk telos 'end' + -logia (see -logy ).