Teleology

Stemming from the Greek word telos [|1], meaning end reason, Teleology is an area of philosophical study offering the explanation of why things exist as the purpose of their existence. These //ends// are also referred to as the “final cause"[|2]. Essentially, this implies that there is an end goal to something that determines its existence, giving it purpose. For example, teleology would argue that a bird has wings //because// it must fly – therefore the existence of wings are to serve the purpose of the bird in flight. This is also a form of extrinsic finality[|3], whereas what is served (the bird) exists outside the thing (wings). The opposite of this is intrinsic finality [|4], which is self-serving. This notion was stated by Thomas Aquinas as //"the form which gives it its specific perfection, everything in nature has an inclination to its own operations and to its own end, which it reaches through these operations. Just as everything is, such also are its operations and its tendency to what is suitable to itself.// "[|4] From an ethical standpoint, teleological ethics work on the principle of achieving what is good, or desirable as the end.[|5] This concept influential for key philosophers such as Aristotle, Kant and Plato in their moral and philosophical reasoning. Teleological ethics is also prevalent as the foundations of Consequentialism and Utilitarianism by means of their end goals, or desired //good// outcome.

1 [] 2 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teleology 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrinsic_finality 4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_finality 5 []