Aristotle's Teleology in Biological Explanations

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Philosophy,, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant professor of philosophy, Department of philosophy, wisdom and logic, Faculty of Humanities, arbiat Modares, University Tehran, Iran

10.22108/mph.2025.142676.1587

Abstract

The concept of "Telos" holds such significance in Aristotle's philosophy that understanding his other teachings depends on a correct and complete grasp of it. Numerous studies have been conducted by researchers regarding this concept, and Aristotle's teleology has been examined in his works and his various teachings. This research specifically addresses Aristotle's biology, focusing on the crucial question of whether, in his view, it is possible to eliminate Telos from biological explanations. Some of Aristotle's predecessors believed this was feasible, arguing that factors like "chance" and "necessity" could account for biological creations. However, Aristotle, in opposition to them, demonstrates that Telos cannot be removed from biological explanations and thus provides a teleological account of the emergence of living beings and their organs. This study is an effort to elucidate this teleological explanation and to show the basis on which he considers the emergence of animals and their organs to be purposeful

Keywords

Main Subjects

Metaphysics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 March 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 04 January 2025

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