teleology
Explanation based on purpose or intended outcome
Examples
In a meeting
“The teleology of our product design is user delight—every decision serves that end goal.”
Over coffee
“Understanding the teleology of exercise—why we do it—helps maintain motivation.”
Why this word
purpose
Purpose is an intended goal; teleology is philosophical explanation by final causes or inherent purposes
design
Design suggests planning; teleology is the doctrine that phenomena are explained by their end purposes
goal
Goal is an aim; teleology refers to the philosophical study of purpose and end-directed processes
Usage tip
Use when discussing purpose-driven reasoning or design. Emphasizes 'why' over 'how.'
Etymology
Greek 'telos' (end, purpose) + 'logia' (study)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question