teleology
/ˌtelɪˈɒlədʒɪ/noun
(pl. -ies)［mass noun］
1- Philosophy the explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes【哲】目的论。
1.1
- Theology the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world【神学】目的论主义; 目的论学说。
派生词
teleologic
adjectiveteleological
adjectiveteleologically
adverbteleologism
nounteleologist
noun词源
mid 18th cent. (denoting the branch of philosophy that deals with ends or final causes)： from modern Latin teleologia, from Greek telos 'end' + -logia （see -LOGY）.