TELEOLOGY IN BIOLOGY: WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?

Author: Page, Lyman A.

Source: Zygon, Volume 41, Number 2, June 2006 , pp. 427-434(8)

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Abstract:

Teleological thinking permeates biology and is useful in pondering unanswered biological questions. Such thinking differs from the usual sense of teleology in that “purpose” in biology carries no imputation of causation. A few examples are given. The teleological system of biology is every bit as elegant a construct of the human mind as any other teleological system and in no way precludes spirituality. I argue that it provides a firmer foundation for moral guidance than supernatural systems.

Keywords: biology; brain; causation; ethics; evolution; human constructs; religion; teleology; transcendentalism

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00747.x

Affiliations: 1: Clinical Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at Brown University School of Medicine and a retired physician. His mailing address is 16 Oak Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046;, Email: lymanpage@adelphia.net.

Publication date: 2006-06-01