teleological

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teleological" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in philosophical contexts to refer to explanations or theories that are based on the purpose or goal of something. Example: "The teleological argument for the existence of God suggests that the universe's complexity implies a purposeful creator."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The assumption that nature is purposive for our cognitive faculties is not, strictly speaking, part of teleology, since the purposiveness at issue is subjective, and teleological judgments are concerned only with objective purposiveness (see e.g., FI VII, 20 221).

SEP

This was reciprocated: they staged a brief strike, one of whose demands was that the author be appointed director of the dance school, an event that merely ensured her premature departure, about which she had no regrets.Despite the teleological risk in such a memoir, this book carries the flavour of authenticity.

The Economist

Offering a more teleological version of this argument, many delegates referred to George Washington's 1796 farewell address, which has joined the Declaration of Independence and the constitution as one of the conservatives' touchstone documents.

The Economist

Life is not mechanistic but teleological.

SEP

But this objection misunderstands the teleological view.

SEP

Universalizable egoism is another familiar teleological theory.

SEP

This is an irreducibly teleological concept.

SEP

The second part contains a teleological argument.

SEP

His inner states play no teleological role.

SEP

Shaftesbury's philosophy combined a powerfully teleological approach, according to which all things are part of a harmonious cosmic order, with sharp observations of human nature (see section 2 below).

SEP

Shaftesbury corroborated this teleological connection between virtue and happiness by investigating the pleasures and pains of which human happiness and unhappiness consist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "teleological", ensure the context clearly indicates a focus on purpose, design, or intended outcomes. This term is most appropriate in philosophical, scientific, or academic discussions.

Common error

Avoid applying "teleological" explanations to phenomena that lack inherent purpose or design. Overuse can lead to unwarranted assumptions about intentionality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teleological" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a relationship to teleology, the study of purpose or design. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples in philosophical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "teleological" is grammatically correct and frequently employed in academic and philosophical discussions to describe explanations based on purpose or design. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is concentrated in scientific and academic domains. When using "teleological", ensure the context involves intended outcomes. Alternatives like "purposive" or "goal-oriented" can be suitable depending on the intended nuance. The word should not be used when describing things that lack inherent purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purposive

Focuses on the existence of a purpose.

goal-oriented

Emphasizes achievement and direction towards a specific aim.

purpose-driven

Highlights the driving force of a purpose.

intentional

Highlights deliberate design or purpose.

finalistic

Relates to the philosophical view that events are guided by a final cause.

design-based

Stresses the presence of a plan or design.

end-directed

Emphasizes directionality towards an end or goal.

functional

Focuses on the role or function something serves.

consequentialist

Focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions.

result-oriented

Stresses the importance of achieving specific results.

FAQs

How is "teleological" typically used in a sentence?

"Teleological" is used to describe explanations or arguments that consider the purpose or goal of something. For example, "The "teleological argument" suggests that the universe's complexity implies a purposeful creator."

What's the difference between "teleological" and "purposive"?

"Teleological" refers to the broader study or explanation based on purpose or design, while "purposive" simply means having a purpose. "Teleological" implies a system or framework of understanding, whereas "purposive" describes a quality or characteristic.

Are there contexts where using "teleological" is inappropriate?

Using "teleological" might be inappropriate in contexts where events are random or lack a clear purpose. Overusing it can introduce unwarranted assumptions about intent or design where none exists.

What are some alternatives to "teleological"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "purposive", "goal-oriented", or "intentional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.